The Raptors have a lot of stuff to figure out this offseason, ranging from how they can upgrade the offense while also maintaining continuity to deciding whether any player available is worth going all-in for with their carefully protected trade assets.
Another question that will dominate this offseason is what to do with RJ Barrett, who will be extension-eligible this summer.
RJ Barrett grew up watching the Raptors and had perhaps the biggest playoff moment of his career in front of an adoring Toronto crowd when he made a clutch 3-pointer to keep the Raptors’ season alive in Game 6 of their first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. So, it was no surprise when he said in his end-of-season media availability that he wanted to be in Toronto for as long as possible and continue to represent the Raptors.
Many fans would also like him to stick around after he emerged as one of the Raptors’ most important players in the postseason, filling an offensive role Brandon Ingram seemed destined for.
It’s not all that easy, though.
The Raptors could go in several different directions with RJ Barrett’s future
The Raptors have three options. They can extend Barrett this summer and firmly establish him as a core player for the moment. His playoff performances made this a viable option, but the price needs to be right, considering the money the Raptors have committed to Brandon Ingram, Jakob Poeltl, and Immanuel Quickley over the next few years.
The Raptors could also opt not to extend him this offseason and wait to see how he plays in the regular season after a strong playoff run. If he can take another step forward next to Scottie Barnes and Collin Murray-Boyles, it would make the decision to commit to him long-term a lot easier. However, a move like that can quickly alienate younger players who want to feel wanted and appreciated by their franchise, so the Raptors would have to hope that Barrett’s desire to stay in Toronto can grant them some wiggle room and make him willing to wait.
The more drastic option after the way Barrett closed out the season would be to trade him. The Raptors want to be opportunistic this offseason—GM Bobby Webster made that clear in his end-of-season media availability—and if a good deal for a superstar, who could push the team to the next level, presents itself, Barrett and his expiring salary may have to be included to get the trade done.
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