Toronto Raptors: Grading the team’s signings in NBA free agency

Toronto Raptors NBA free agency signing No. 2: Khem Birch

Khem Birch played three and a half seasons with the Orlando Magic before being waived as part of the roster rebuild. The Magic have hovered at or near the bottom end of the playoffs for too long and needed to break it down so that they can center around young talent to build it back up.

The Raptors were looking for a big man who could give them a good presence inside after they lost both of their championship big men Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol, both going to Los Angeles. Ibaka went to the LA Clippers and Gasol made his way to the other side of the hall, going to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The replacement big men were less than impressive for the Raptors. Len was waived as soon as they could, the Raptors then relying on the combination of Chris Boucher and Baynes. Eventually, the Raptors were able to claim Birch off waivers and the rest, as they say, is history.

Birch was rewarded by the Raptors with a three-year, $20 million contract which feels about right for the big man. He has been rewarded for solidifying the pivot position and has been handed the keys to the paint due to Baynes being waived.

Grade: A-