The Toronto Raptors need to decide if they are going to extend native Canadian and standout wing RJ Barrett after he played a big part in Toronto's playoff push last year. However, it seems like both Barrett and the club remain open in principle to talking about a new deal.
According to Michael Grange, Barrett and his agent haven't had extension talks just yet, but the maximum price Grange mentioned was $185 million over four years. That would be an overpay, even for a player like Barrett. The ideal Barrett extenson blueprint may have come from one of their hated rivals.
The Raptors may need to look at what the New York Knicks did with Mikal Bridges. The contract those two parties agreed on paid him like a quality player and didn't break the Knicks' proverbial back. Maybe Barrett could follow suit.
Toronto Raptors should look at Mikal Bridges contract in RJ Barrett talks
Barrett is playing out the final year of a four-year contract that paid him around $26 million per year. He will assuredly ask for more money, especially with teammate Immanuel Quickley on a $32.5 million per year contract. Asking for $45 million per year should be a non-starter for Toronto, but Barrett's improvement should get him more money that Quickley.
Bridges signed a four-year, $150 million contract with the New York Knicks, and that gave the Knicks enough flexibility to add to the depth around them to chase a championship. That could be the sweet spot for Barrett as far as value goes, especially considering how important he was in the playoffs.
The Raptors seemingly had to choose between either Barrett or Brandon Ingram when they made the trade for Kawhi Leonard. While Ingram was an All-Star on his lone season with Toronto, his injuries and poor performance in the playoffs likely made their decision much easier. Conversely, Barrett was Toronto's biggest non-Scottie Barnes force multiplier in the Cleveland playoff series.
The Toronto Raptors need to reward RJ Barrett for his improvement
Barrett averaged 24.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game against Cleveland, all while making big shot after big shot. On a team that lacks creators in the half court beyong a limited Barnes and aging Leonard, Barrett has some utility on this roster. His improved playmaking since arriving in the OG Anunoby trade is a welcome development.
Barrett has averaged 20.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game during his time in Toronto. Even taking into account how some of his scoring was inflated by being on a bad team, Barrett has shown that he can play a tertiary scoring role on a playoff team. With free agency always tough for Toronto and the trade market tough to navigate, replacing Barrett could be quite difficult.
However, with Barnes and Leonard costing a pretty penny, Barrett getting a big contract might make life tough for a front office that historically has not been willing to delve too deeply into the luxury tax thresholds. Barrett may not get the $45 million he is asking for, but there is a future where both sides reach an equitable decision.
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