All-Star forward Scottie Barnes is set to sign a rookie max extension worth up to $270 million over five years in a landmark move for the Toronto Raptors. This deal will make Barnes the highest-paid player in Raptors franchise history.
Barnes’ eligibility for the rookie max extension came after completing his third NBA season, during which he emerged as a first-time All-Star. His impressive averages of 19.9 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game highlight his growth and potential.
Barnes’ trajectory has been remarkable since entering the league in 2021, when he made an immediate impact by winning Rookie of the Year and earning First Team All-Rookie honors with averages of 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists.
A key aspect of Barnes’ development has been his improvement in three-point shooting. In his third year, he shot 34.1% from beyond the arc on nearly five attempts per game, a significant uptick from his 30.1% in his rookie season and 28.1% in his second year.
Though Barnes cannot officially sign the extension until July 6, agreeing to the terms now allows the Raptors to focus on other offseason priorities. The Raptors finished 11 games out of the last play-in spot in the Eastern Conference this season, signaling a need for a strategic rebuild. With a solid core of young players, including RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, the Raptors are positioned to develop a competitive roster around Barnes.
This season saw significant changes for the Raptors, including trading veterans Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby before the trade deadline to pivot towards a rebuild centered on Barnes.
By signing Barnes to the richest deal in franchise history, the Raptors have made it clear that they view him as the cornerstone of their future.
“I think the most difficult thing to do when you do things like this is finding the Scottie Barneses of the world, and we’re lucky to have a really good young player like this to build around,” Raptors president Masai Ujiri told CBS Sports.
Barnes’ extension is a financial commitment and a statement of faith in his potential to lead the Raptors back to contention. As Barnes continues to refine his game and expand his skill set, the Raptors can build a team capable of competing at the highest levels in the NBA.
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