Offseason Report Card: Raptors get an A, four Bs, three Cs and a D for summer moves

2. Signed Scottie Barnes to a max extension

Signed All-Star forward Scottie Barnes to a five-year, $224 million max rookie extension that could increase to $270 million over five seasons

Scottie Barnes experienced a true breakout season last year, improving across the board as an offensive engine and playmaker and as a defensive weapon. He put up historic numbers for combining shooting and playmaking with steals and blocks, and at just 23 years old he should continue to improve.

Entering his fourth season, Barnes was eligible for a rookie extension. Given that he was the fourth overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft his cap hold is large enough that there is no opportunity cost lost by inking him to a deal now vs later (or at least, very little) and it communicates to a franchise pillar that he is the piece the team wants to build around.

Barnes' deal does contain Rose Rule language, so if he makes an All-NBA Team, wins Defensive Player of the Year or takes home the MVP it will increase. It starts as a five-year, $224 million deal, but if he qualifies for the designated rookie extension it will balloon to $270 million over five seasons, beginning in 2025-26 and stretching until 2029-30.

The Raptors were able to negotiate a straight five-year deal with no player option, although Barnes' side did get a 15% trade bonus added in. Toronto is likely not planning to trade him because they see him as a franchise cornerstone, the two-way rising star to build a contender around. He can fall well shy of that level and still be worth this deal; if he does become a Top 10 player this will be a bargain as the cap goes up.

Grade: B+