The Toronto Raptors wasted no time in solidifying their future by signing their younger sensation, Scottie Barnes, to a rookie extension. The staff is reportedly signing the All-Star to a five-year, $270 million contract extension. This alerts that Toronto believes Scottie Barnes is their franchise cornerstone.
Barnes is coming off a profession season the place he averaged career-highs in no less than three main statistical classes. The previous Rookie of the 12 months tallied 19.9 factors, 6.1 assists, 8.2 whole rebounds, and 1.3 steals per recreation whereas capturing 47.5 p.c from the sector. The Toronto Raptors could also be rebuilding, however they know they’ve one thing particular in Scottie Barnes. A large cause why they granted him such a profitable rookie extension which made him the very best paid participant in Toronto’s historical past.
Toronto Raptors Signal Scottie Barnes to 5-12 months, $270 Million Extension
Scottie Barnes’ Ceiling
Scottie Barnes has already solidified himself as one of many brightest rising younger stars within the NBA. He had a profession season final yr and the most effective is but to return. For his profession, Barnes has averaged 16.6 factors, 1.1 steals, 1.0 blocks, 7.4 whole rebounds, and 4.7 assists per recreation. He has additionally tallied a profession subject purpose proportion of 47.4 p.c, a profession offensive ranking of 114, and a profession field plus/minus ranking of 1.5 via his three-year profession. The instruments and skillset are definitely there for Scottie Barnes. He’s already adept at making troublesome photographs, but in addition has the physique and make-up to be a stable defender. Many across the league know Barnes has one of many highest ceilings. The potential is there for him to finally grow to be a top-15 participant within the NBA. It was a good move on the Raptors to half to make him a part of their long-term plans.
A Clear Imaginative and prescient for the Raptors’ Future
The Raptors are going right into a rebuilding section, however they no less than have a route. They know Barnes is the way forward for their franchise and can look to construct round him. The Raptors did land the eighth decide within the NBA Draft Lottery, but it surely went to the San Antonio Spurs as a part of the Jakob Poeltl commerce that occurred in 2023. Consequently, the staff should proceed cultivating their present younger core and permit Scottie Barnes to flourish. Don’t anticipate many large free agent strikes from the Raptors this offseason both. Toronto is being affected person with their rebuild and if Scottie Barnes’ growth is any indication, their persistence will repay in the long term.