The Toronto Raptors wasted no time in solidifying their future by signing their younger sensation, Scottie Barnes, to a rookie extension. The group is reportedly signing the All-Star to a five-year, $270 million contract extension. This indicators that Toronto believes Scottie Barnes is their franchise cornerstone.
Barnes is coming off a profession season the place he averaged career-highs in a minimum of three main statistical classes. The previous Rookie of the Yr tallied 19.9 factors, 6.1 assists, 8.2 complete rebounds, and 1.3 steals per sport whereas taking pictures 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. An enormous purpose 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-Yr, $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 12 months and the most effective is but to come back. For his profession, Barnes has averaged 16.6 factors, 1.1 steals, 1.0 blocks, 7.4 complete rebounds, and 4.7 assists per sport. He has additionally tallied a profession discipline purpose share of 47.4 p.c, a profession offensive score of 114, and a profession field plus/minus score of 1.5 by way of his three-year profession. The instruments and skillset are definitely there for Scottie Barnes. He’s already adept at making tough photographs, but in addition has the physique and make-up to be a strong defender. Many across the league know Barnes has one of many highest ceilings. The potential is there for him to ultimately change into a top-15 participant within the NBA. It was a smart 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 part, however they a minimum of 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, nevertheless it went to the San Antonio Spurs as a part of the Jakob Poeltl commerce that occurred in 2023. Because of this, the group must proceed cultivating their present younger core and permit Scottie Barnes to flourish. Don’t count on many large free agent strikes from the Raptors this offseason both. Toronto is being affected person with their rebuild and if Scottie Barnes’ improvement is any indication, their persistence will repay in the long term.
