Toronto Raptors Scottie Barnes’ performance earned him the opportunity to earn a record-breaking salary. Despite being hot in the 2022 and 2023 offseasons, the Raptors clarified that their rookie won’t leave the franchise.
The Raptors aren’t yet solid NBA Championship contenders since their last title in the 2018-19 NBA season. Therefore, the franchise must improve the team to prove themselves worthy of clinching that title as the club finished 12th in the Eastern Conference. Why would Scottie Barnes earn so much?
Toronto Raptors Scottie Barnes Eligibility
The Raptors signed Barnes in 2021 as their first-round No. 4 draft pick. Since then, the All-Star player proved his worth to the franchise through his performance.
In his second year, he won the Kia Rookie of the Year award. Also, Barnes made his All-Star in 2024 after the Philadelphia 76ers Forward Joel Embiid suffered an injury and couldn’t participate.
As a youngster, Barnes’ outstanding performance on the court attracted top NBA teams to bid for him. The 6’ 7 footer plays the shooting guard and small forward position. Also, finding a two-way player that plays great on both ends of the court is challenging in the league.
Barnes’ Performance At The Raptors
The Raptors Shooting Guard averaged 19.9 points 6.1 assists 8.2 rebounds 1.3 steals and 1.5 blocks this 2023-24 season with 47.5% from the floor and 33.1% three points made. Also, he played 60 games this season, missing 22 games due to a hand injury. Throughout his NBA Career, he averaged 16.6 points, 4.7 assists, and 7.4 rebounds.
From these stats, it’s clear that the 22-year-old Guard is a playmaker and could be very effective at both ends of the court. His shooting capabilities make him a good offensive player. Also, the Small forward’s ability to card not less than five rebounds per game is an impressive defensive strength. Though the Raptors haven’t made the playoffs since Barnes joined the franchise, This five-year contract is a no-brainer offer given his performance on the court. According to Adrian Wojnarowski
Barnes and two-time Milwaukee Bucks MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo were the only NBA players to average at least one per game in all five of those statistical categories [in the 2023-24 season].
The All-Star Player Could Be The Highest Paid In Raptors’ History
As per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski:
Toronto Raptors All-Star guard Scottie Barnes intends to sign a five-year maximum rookie extension that could be worth as much as $270 million… The deal guarantees Barnes $225 million and would escalate to the supermaximum should he make an All-NBA team, All-Defensive team or earn MVP honors.
With this rookie contract, we could conclude that the All-Star guard would become the highest-paid Raptor player. The Raptors are building from scratch with younger players, therefore, they might not compete in 2024-25 postseason games. Also, with this offer, the franchise makes it clear that they would build around this youngster.
Scottie Barnes will join RJ Barrett the Raptors small forward on a multiple-season deal. Also, these youngsters serve as the foundation for building their championship team.
Final Thoughts
Serving a huge deal on a platter of gold for this 2022 Rookie of the Year depicts the franchise’s long-term goal to become a title contender. However, the risk is as huge as the reward for the franchise.
The cap size of the Raptors could get a massive drop which could deter them from participating in future trades. Also, if Barnes underperforms, it could hurt the franchise’s outlook.
There is still room for a long-term growth strategy as the Raptors have less experience as title contenders. Also, the franchise has No. 19 and No. 31 selections for this 2024 NBA Draft. Thus, this means more potential quality NBA prospects to clinch.
About the Author
Wisdom is an email and brand copywriter with two years of content writing experience. He started Cloud Kitchen Concept to help startups and business owners elevate their brands from good to great. You can connect with him on LinkedIn and Instagram to enjoy cooked meals for your business’s growth.
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