The Toronto Raptors have agreed to a two-way deal with guard A.J. Lawson, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto. Lawson, 24, has averaged 24 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.3 steals for the Long Island Nets in the G League this season. The Canadian native went undrafted in 2022 out of the University of South Carolina.
Toronto Raptors waived guard D.J. Carton to sign A.J. Lawson
Toronto opened up a two-way slot on Tuesday by waiving D.J. Carton, who is currently recovering from an ankle injury. Several Raptors contributors are dealing with injuries, including Scottie Barnes (sprained right ankle), Immanuel Quickley (partial UCL tear in left elbow), and Bruce Brown (conditioning).
Through 57 career NBA regular-season games off the bench with the Minnesota Timberwolves (2022) and Dallas Mavericks (2022-24), Lawson has averaged 3.4 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 7.4 minutes while shooting 46.1% from the field, 30.7% from 3-point range, and 54.8% at the free throw line.
The Toronto Raptors have agreed to a two-way deal with AJ Lawson, league sources told @hoopshype. Lawson has averaged 24 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.3 steals for the Long Island Nets in the G League this season. The Canadian native returns home. pic.twitter.com/frhvpI7utK
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) December 11, 2024
In Dallas’ 144-119 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Dec. 23, 2023, he recorded career highs of 17 points and seven rebounds in 30 minutes as a reserve. He finished 7-of-10 (70%) shooting from the field and drained three 3-pointers.
Ahead of the 2024-25 season, Lawson had an impactful training camp with the Mavericks. However, Dallas decided to waive his non-guaranteed standard contract, then brought him back on a two-way deal after he cleared waivers.
Lawson joined the Long Island Nets after Dallas waived him
The Mavericks cut Lawson once again before the 2024-25 regular season and he subsequently joined the Long Island Nets, the Brooklyn Nets’ G League affiliate.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd praised the South Carolina product in October after he was cut.
“AJ has been great for us, unfortunately they waived him today,” Kidd said. “We wish him the best of luck. I think when you look at the athleticism, the way that he has improved… He did everything we asked. There was a big jump in his game. Looking at the numbers, management had to make a decision.”
The Raptors visit the Miami Heat on Thursday.
