Raptors, Barrett don’t come to extension before deadline

After this season concludes, in which the 25-year-old will make almost $28 million, he is still on the books for nearly $30 million in the 2026-2027 season, leaving ample time for the two sides to come to an agreement.

After initially being labelled a “toxic asset,” when first coming home to Toronto in the OG Anunoby deal, Barrett has rehabilitated his value with his play.  

In his first half-season with the Raptors in 2023-2024, he saw a remarkable uptick in efficiency (from 54 percent true shooting to 62 percent) while also taking more shots. 

Then last season, Barrett was expected to do way more, carrying the Raptors’ offence for stretches and being handed a ton of responsibility to create shots both for himself and others. His efficiency dropped, yet he saw great improvements as a pick n’ roll ball-handler and set career-highs in points (21.1) rebounds (6.3) and assists (5.4), while shooting 46.8 per cent from the field, 35.0 per cent from the field, and 63 per cent from the free throw line.

The slashing wing enters this season in which his role could potentially diminish, but on what should be a better Raptors team with Brandon Ingram in the fold.

The Raptors kick off their season on Wednesday in Atlanta to take on the Hawks, marking the first time since 2011 that the Dinos won’t start a season north of the border, and only the seventh time in the franchise’s 31-year history.