Scottie Barnes signing maximum rookie extension with Raptors
Scottie Barnes signing maximum rookie extension with Raptors
The Toronto Raptors are locking up their franchise cornerstone, Scottie Barnes, signing him to a five-year maximum rookie extension.
The deal could reportedly be worth up to $270 million, making Barnes the highest-paid player in Raptors history. ESPN's Adrian Wojanrowski first broke the news on Monday afternoon.
Barnes, the 2022 Rookie of the Year, took a massive leap in his third season, averaging 19.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.1 assists on 47.5% shooting in 60 games. His versatility on both ends of the floor is the main reason Toronto's front office values him so highly. Paired with guards Immanuel Quickly and RJ Barrett, the Raptors could make serious noise in the Eastern Conference for years to come.
Wojnarowski later explained how the record-shattering contract came to life, writing, "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. The Raptors are reshaping the roster around Barnes and now secure him on a deal that he'll sign on July 6th, sources said."