Raptors, Scottie Barnes Agree to Five-Year Extension – Basketball Insider

The Toronto Raptors wasted no time in solidifying their future by signing their young sensation, Scottie Barnes, to a rookie extension. The team is reportedly signing the All-Star to a five-year, $270 million contract. This indicates that Toronto believes that Scottie Barnes is their cornerstone.

Barnes is coming off a career season in which he averaged career highs in at least three major statistical areas. The former Rookie of the Year averaged 19.9 points, 6.1 assists, 8.2 total rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 47.5 percent from the field. The Toronto Raptors may be rebuilding, but they know there is something special in Scottie Barnes. The main reason why they gave him a rookie extension with so much money made him the highest paid player in Toronto history.

Toronto Raptors Sign Scottie Barnes to Five-Year, $270 Million Extension

Scottie Barnes' Ceiling

Scottie Barnes has already established himself as one of the hottest stars in the NBA. He had a career season last year and the best is yet to come. For his career, Barnes averaged 16.6 points, 1.1 steals, 1.0 blocks, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. He also posted a career field goal percentage of 47.4 percent, a career offensive rating of 114, and a career box and/or strikeout rating of 1.5 over his three-year career. The tools and skill set are definitely Scottie Barnes. He already has the ability to make the tough shot, but he also has the body and makeup to be a solid defender. Many around the world know that Barnes has a very high ceiling. The potential is there for him to end up being a top-15 player in the NBA. It was a smart decision for the Raptors to part ways to make him part of their long-term plans.

A Clear Vision for the Raptors' Future

The Raptors will enter a rebuilding phase, but at least they have direction. They know Barnes is the future of their franchise and will look to build around him. The Raptors received the eighth pick in the NBA Draft Lottery, but it went to the San Antonio Spurs as part of the 2023 Jakob Poeltl trade. As a result, the team will have to continue to cultivate its young core and allow. Scottie Barnes to flourish. Don't expect too many free agent moves from the Raptors this offseason either. Toronto is being patient with their rebuild and if the development of Scottie Barnes is any indication, their patience will pay off in the long run.