Raptors Haven’t Held Serious Talks Regarding Barrett Extension

The Raptors took care of recently-acquired Kawhi Leonard, signing the star forward to a two-year, $115MM extension last week. Toronto is in no rush to retain starting shooting guard RJ Barrett beyond this season.

The Raptors and Barrett’s long-time agent, Bill Duffy, have yet to have substantive conversations about the possibility of a contract extension, Sportsnet’s Michael Grange reports. An extension for Barrett could be worth as much as $185MM over four seasons.

Barrett is in final year of a four-year, $107MM contract he originally signed with his former team, the Knicks. There is optimism that Barrett’s desire to get a deal that keeps him in Toronto long-term isn’t one-sided, Grange adds. However, future financial obligations could make it difficult for the Raptors to re-sign Barrett.

Scottie Barnes is entering the second year of a five-year, $244MM extension. Immanuel Quickley is owed $32.5MM annually through the 2028/29 season. Jakob Poeltl’s three-year, $84MM extension begins with the 2027/28 season. The Raptors will also have to take care of some of their recent draft picks down the road.

All those factors work against Barrett, whose expiring contract could be a valuable trade piece this season. Barrett averaged 19.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists last season.

Barrett says his contract situation won’t be a distraction.

“I feel like at the end of the day, whether you get a contract or not, you just keep playing,” he said. “If it’s not one place, somebody else will want you. You’re always auditioning every time you step on the floor. So always put your best foot forward.”

Barrett trusts that Duffy will get him a good deal, whether it’s an extension with the Raptors or a free agent contract next offseason.

“I think the first thing is, a lot of times, players get too upset about it,” he said. “One, they’re still gonna pay me a lot of money this year anyway ($29.6 MM), so I’ve gotta be thankful for that. And then I have a good agent — I just let him do his thing. Whatever happens, happens.”