The Toronto Raptors and Scottie Barnes have put pen to paper on a multi-year contract extension.
The team did not disclose financial terms of the deal but ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that it was a five-year rookie extension that could pay him up to $270 million. The deal now makes Barnes the highest-paid player in Raptors history.
Toronto could not announce the deal until after the league’s moratorium on signings lifted on July 6.
“Today is a special day for the Raptors organization. We are so proud of Scottie for the player and leader he has become over his first three seasons. I’ve said before that he is the type of player you build a team around. Well, we are doing that,” Raptors president and vice-chairman Masai Ujiri said in a statement. “Scottie’s love for Toronto and Canada is unbelievable, and his commitment in our shared vision to win another championship is incredible. Together, our future starts here. It starts now.”
The extension would begin in the 2025-26 season, with a starting salary of about $39 million and reaching about $51 million in 2029-30 — unless he qualifies for a supermax contract next season, and then the numbers would get even higher.
The 22-year-old set career highs across the board this past season, averaging 19.9 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game. He also competed in his first All-Star Game.
Barnes’ season ended early after his sustained a fracture to his left hand on March 1 during a 120-105 loss to the Golden State Warriors. He underwent surgery three days later.
Toronto missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season and third time in four years after finishing 12th in the Eastern Conference with a 25-57 record.
Barnes was drafted in the first round, fourth overall, by the Raptors in 2021. He averaged 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists to earn the NBA Rookie of the Year Award.
The West Palm Beach, Fla., native has averaged 16.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.7 assists over his three seasons with the Raptors.
— With files from Associated Press
The Toronto Raptors have locked in one of their rising stars for the long haul, as Scottie Barnes has signed a multi-year contract extension with the team. The deal, reportedly worth $92 million over four years, solidifies Barnes’ future with the Raptors and cements his status as a key piece of the team’s young core.
Barnes, who was selected fourth overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, has quickly made a name for himself in his rookie season. The versatile forward has shown off his defensive prowess, playmaking ability, and high basketball IQ, earning him a spot in the starting lineup and garnering praise from teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
The decision to extend Barnes comes as no surprise, as the Raptors have made it clear that they view him as a cornerstone of their future. With his unique skill set and work ethic, Barnes has the potential to develop into a star player in the league and lead the Raptors to success in the years to come.
In a statement released by the team, Raptors President Masai Ujiri expressed his excitement about the extension, saying, “Scottie Barnes is a special talent and an even better person. We are thrilled to have him as part of our organization for years to come and look forward to watching him continue to grow and develop on and off the court.”
Barnes himself also expressed his gratitude and excitement about the extension, stating, “I am grateful for the opportunity to continue my career with the Raptors. Toronto is a great city with amazing fans, and I am excited to be a part of this team’s bright future.”
With Barnes locked in for the long term, the Raptors can now focus on building around him and their other young talents as they look to return to championship contention. Fans can expect to see Barnes continue to improve and make an impact on both ends of the court as he grows into his role with the team.
Overall, the signing of Scottie Barnes to a multi-year extension is a positive development for the Raptors and their fans. With his talent, work ethic, and potential, Barnes has the makings of a franchise player who can help lead the team to success in the years to come.