Raptors Add Justise Winslow on Preseason Deal, Waive Makur Maker

The Toronto Raptors have signed Justise Winslow to a preseason deal, waiving Makur Maker in the process

The Toronto Raptors are bringing in former lottery pick Justise Winslow, the team announced Friday.

Winslow has joined the team on an Exhibit 10 deal meaning he’ll likely be waived by the organization and head to the G League at some point in the next few days. He will replace Makur Maker, the former five-star high school prospect, who was waived by Toronto and will now head to the Raptors 905 for this year.

The 27-year-old Winslow is recovering from season-ending ankle surgery last March while a member of the Portland Trail Blazers. He appeared in 29 games for Portland last year, averaging 6.8 points and five rebounds.

Winslow is another 6-foot-6 wing for Toronto who can play multiple positions and help the organization as a small-ball center at times. He’s battled injuries throughout his career and hasn’t been able to put together a full season since his rookie year.

While with the Miami Heat, he did have three double-digit scoring seasons in 2016-17, 2018-19, and 2019-20, averaging 10.9, 12.6. and 11.3 points per game, respectively. Those numbers came on inefficient shooting numbers as Winslow is just a 31.5% three-point shooter with a 41.2% field goal percentage for his career.

The Heat selected Winslow with the No. 10 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.

Mouhamed Gueye is Toronto’s only other Exhibit 10 player and is also likely to be waived at some point in the next few days. He, Winslow, and Maker will join the 905 alongside Javon Freeman-Liberty, Markquis Nowell, and Ron Harper Jr. who are on two-way deals.