The Toronto Raptors have largely struggled since winning the 2019 NBA championship. However, guard Scottie Barnes has been a bright spot and not one they're taking lightly.
The Raptors are about to lock up Barnes long-term, via ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
“ESPN Sources: Toronto Raptors All-Star guard Scottie Barnes intends to sign a five-year maximum rookie extension that could be worth up to $270 million,” Wojnarowski tweeted. “Barnes is the franchise cornerstone and will become the highest-paid player in Raptors history.”
Barnes has been the centerpiece of the team's young core, averaging 16.6 points per game on 47.4% shooting with 7.4 rebounds, 4.7 assists, one block, and 1.1 steals across three seasons thus far.
“Barnes' agent Bill Duffy of @wmebasketball met with Toronto executives Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster to land the deal on the 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year, sources tell ESPN,” Wojnarowski continued. “The Raptors are reshaping the roster around Barnes and now secure him on a deal that he'll sign on July 6th, sources said.”
After the team dealt with Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby, as well as letting Fred Vanvleet walk in free agency, Barnes was established as the team's future. While Toronto still sports RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley as reliable scoring options, Barnes is the youngest and has the highest upside.
Will the Florida State alum help the squad get back into playoff contention next season?
The Raptors still have a lot of work to do with their rebuild
While Toronto has shown its faith in Barnes, his compensation will partially depend on performance, via CBS Sports' Sam Quinn.
“Reminder that you’re gonna see a lot of inflated salaries on max rookie extensions reports,” Quinn tweeted. “Scottie Barnes isn’t guaranteed $270 million. His contract will have Rose Rule escalators that can get him to $270 million if he makes All-NBA, DPOY or MVP. More likely, it’s less.”
With Barnes still being just 22 years old, it's not unrealistic for him to get to an All-NBA level at some point. However, even if he does, the Raptors will still need other pieces to compete in the East.
Other than Barnes and Gradey Dick, the team doesn't have any high-upside players. To accelerate the rebuild, the front office has to nail both the 19th and 31st picks in the upcoming draft. The Raptors would be wise to get frontcourt help. Indiana's Kel'el Ware, who ClutchPoints' NBA Insider Brett Siegel mocked to Toronto with that pick, is a good option at that point in the draft.
When and if the team develops multiple exciting players, that will attract more quality free agents. Then, the Raptors can finally start thinking about the Larry O'Brien trophy again.
Follow Us
Subscribe