Veteran NBA center Bruno Fernando has signed with Real Madrid, the Spanish club announced today in a press release.
Fernando, who inked a non-guaranteed minimum-salary contract with the Raptors in August after previously suiting up for the Hawks, Celtics, and Rockets, was sparingly used during the first half of this season even though centers Kelly Olynyk and Jakob Poeltl both missed some time due to injuries.
Fernando appeared in 17 games for Toronto, making two starts and averaging 3.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 8.6 minutes per contest. The Raptors waived him earlier this month before his full-season salary could become guaranteed, making him a free agent.
While Fernando was believed to be prioritizing another opportunity stateside, the former Maryland standout will make the move overseas for the first time in his professional career. His new contract with Real Madrid runs through the 2025/26 season, according to the EuroLeague club.
Fernando is joining a Real Madrid squad that recently signed another notable NBA free agent, guard Dennis Smith Jr., and features a frontcourt heavy on former NBA players, including Serge Ibaka, Usman Garuba, Edy Tavares, and Gabriel Deck.
Mario Hezonja, Dzanan Musa, and Facundo Campazzo are among Fernando’s other new teammates who have NBA experience.
Thats a stacked team
Mario a big letdown for me and I thought Deck was the next international hope