The flood of money in Toronto has suddenly dried up. While Kawhi Leonard has received $115 million, Scottie Barnes signed $244 million, and others like Jakob Poeltl or Immanuel Quickley have seen their salaries rise dramatically, R.J. Barrett’s situation is diametrically opposite.
According to Michael Grange of Sportsnet, the Raptors are in no hurry to lock up an extension with the shooting guard. Rather than diving in, the organization and his agent (Bill Duffy) have not held substantive conversations about renewing the 26-year-old’s contract, who currently could be valued at $185 million over four years.
Although it’s certainly not something to be settled in the short term, the cited journalist does not declare the matter closed, noting that there is optimism that both sides are interested in reaching an agreement, though that desire could collide with the Canadian franchise’s financial reality.
As we outlined at the start, Scottie Barnes is entering the second year of a five-year, $244 million extension. Immanuel Quickley has guaranteed $32.5 million annually through the 2028-29 season. Jakob Poeltl’s three-year, $84 million extension starts in the 2027-28 season. And on top of that, there are the rookies from these years who will need to sign extensions if they choose to.
R.J. Barrett and a lucrative contract
Being expiring and valued at $29.6 million, the Raptors do not overlook that this status could make Barrett a valuable trade piece, as his production is well proven, averaging 19.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists last season.
In reality, the trade route is not new, since in June there was talk of interest from several teams. While his future is resolved, Barrett chooses to avoid letting it become a distraction.
«I feel that, at the end of the day, whether you land a contract or not, you simply keep playing. If it isn’t with one place, someone else will want you. You’re always testing yourself every time you step on the floor, so you must always give your best. Anyway, I’m going to be paid a lot of money this year, so I have to be grateful for that. Also, I have a good agent; I’ll just let him do his job. What happens, happens,» he concludes.
