According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Toronto Raptors are signing wing Scottie Barnes to a five-year contract extension worth up to $270 million. With this deal, Barnes becomes the highest-paid player in Raptors history.
ESPN Sources: Toronto Raptors All-Star guard Scottie Barnes intends to sign a five-year maximum rookie extension that could be worth up to $270 million. Barnes is the franchise cornerstone and will become the highest paid player in Raptors history. pic.twitter.com/c5efNmNl4a
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 24, 2024
Rumors about the Raptors wanting to extend Barnes have circulated for a while. After the team traded former champion Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers during the season, it became clear they wanted to build their roster around the 22-year-old.
The Raptors drafted Barnes with the No. 4 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. The Florida State product made his presence felt immediately, winning the Rookie of the Year award. In his rookie season, Barnes averaged 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. Additionally, he shot 49.2% from the field and 30.1% from beyond the arc.
After a disappointing second season, Barnes took a massive step last season. The wing averaged 19.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. All these numbers are career-highs for Barnes so far. Furthermore, Barnes was selected for the All-Star Game for the first time in his career.
Toronto Raptors Sign Scottie Barnes to Max Contract
NBA Players Praise The Raptors Star
Throughout his three-year NBA career, Barnes has made an impact on the court and with his teammates. A few months ago, teammate and former divisional rival RJ Barrett spoke about Barnes’ presence on and off the court.
“I played against Scottie when I was younger…but seeing it up close every day, it’s amazing what he does. He does everything.” “I think what fans can’t really see is his personality, how good of a teammate he is, how much he cares about basketball & winning”
Furthermore, four-time champion Draymond Green believes Barnes “will do way more than I ever did.”
“Me playing the point forward position, I’m not going to sit up here and act like I was the first one to do it, but I think I’ve done it a little differently than most and he’ll take that to another level… I think Scottie will do way more than I ever did”
Additionally, Bruce Brown called Barnes “a top-tier superstar.”
“Scottie is a dawg,” said newly acquired Raptor Bruce Brown after his first game playing alongside Barnes. “He’s a top tier [sic] superstar in this league. He can get anywhere he wants and guard one-through-five, so he’s a top-tier superstar for sure.”
The Last Word on Scottie Barnes
Extending Barnes is a no-brainer for the Raptors. Despite his sophomore slump, the wing has proven he can be the face of the franchise for the long haul. It will be interesting to see what the ceiling is for Barnes after signing a max contract extension.
Scottie Barnes is the youngest player to average
5+ RPG
5+ APG
1+ SPG
1+ BPG
1+ 3PMin a season. pic.twitter.com/rWzJ1drXBm
— StatMuse (@statmuse) June 24, 2024
