The Toronto Raptors have confirmed the signing of second-round pick Jamal Shead to a three-year, $6.11 million contract, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. This deal represents the maximum amount allowed under the second-round pick exception for a three-year agreement.
Shead, who recently turned 22, played all four of his college seasons at the University of Houston, where he served as the starting point guard for the last three years. During the 2023/24 season, he averaged 12.9 points, 6.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.2 steals over 31.1 minutes per game across 37 contests.
Although his shooting percentages last season were modest at .409/.309/.779, these numbers are consistent with his overall college career. Despite this, Shead is highly regarded for his defensive prowess, earning the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year award this year.
The Raptors secured Shead with the No. 45 pick, which they acquired in a trade with the Sacramento Kings last week.
Reports on draft night indicated that Shead attracted interest from more than a dozen teams looking to sign him to a two-way contract. However, the Raptors assured him of a guaranteed salary. Shead’s contract, which starts at $1.86 million, is guaranteed for the first two seasons, with a team option for the third year. This deal mirrors the contract fellow second-rounder Jonathan Mogbo is signing with the Raptors.
This signing is a significant boost for head coach Darko Rajaković as the Raptors aim to strengthen their roster for the upcoming seasons.
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