Raptors Rumors: Scottie Barnes Extension Could Get Done This Summer

The Toronto Raptors are in a new era as a franchise with Scottie Barnes leading the way.

Barnes emerged as the face of the franchise after Toronto’s moves, trading Pascal Siakam and O.G. Anunoby.

It could have been a little late transitioning to a new phase, but Barnes is ready to take on this new challenge. After an impressive third year and an all-star appearance, this could be the building blocks of something special.

Now, Barnes, Immanuel Quickly, who is a restricted free agent and RJ Barrett will be at the forefront of finding who fits around them.

However, the former Florida State Seminole is a restricted free agent after the 2024-25 season. So, Toronto needs to ink their young star to a new contract extension.

According to Doug Smith of the Toronto Star, a possible extension could get done during this summer:

“The Raptors unequivocally bestowed the “face of the franchise” tag on him [Scottie Barnes] when they let Fred VanVleet walk and traded away Pascal Siakam, and are almost assuredly going to give Barnes a contract worth about $260 million (U.S.) as soon as the first week of July.”

This is a no brainer for the Raptors as they have made it known that Barnes is the future. For Toronto to have their No. 1 guy already solidified is a blessing and it makes sense to lock him in for the long-term sooner rather than later.

With his ability to play terrific perimeter defense, play make for his teammates, great finisher at the rim and starting to hit 3s, this price tag is worth it.

It is a 3-and-D league now and Barnes obviously fits that mold, but he needs to build off of last season’s performance to prove he is worth $260 million.

Scottie Barnes provides update on hand injury

After coming out of the gates strong and an All-Star appearance, Barnes unfortunately suffered a significant hand injury that sidelined him a majority of the back half of the season.

Now months removed from sustaining his injury, Barnes shared an update on how his hand is doing.