Training camp is officially underway for the Toronto Raptors, but one of their key starters, RJ Barrett, kicked it off without any serious contract extension talks even beginning, according to Sportsnet’s Michael Grange. Grange reported that “according to league sources, the Raptors and Barrett’s long-time agent Bill Duffy have yet to sit down and have substantive conversations about the possibility of a contract extension,” which is pretty wild considering where things stand. There’s still “optimism that Barrett’s desire to get a deal that keeps him in Toronto long-term isn’t one sided,” but optimism doesn’t pay the bills.
Kawhi’s Arrival Puts The Squeeze On Toronto’s Cap
So, what’s really going on here? The biggest piece of the puzzle dropped just over a week ago when the delayed trade to acquire Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers finally got done. That move sent Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick to LA, but it also gave the Raptors a much clearer picture of their salary cap moving forward. And boy, is that picture expensive! Leonard is set to pull in $115 million from 2027 to 2029 if he activates the player option on the back end of his new extension.
But it’s not just Kawhi. The Raptors have already committed significant dough to long-term deals for Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, and Jakob Poetl. Next season, the franchise is on the hook for about $178 million to that trio, plus Leonard, Collin Murray-Boyles, Allen Graves, and Ja’Kobe Walter. Outside of those guys, the Raptors are looking at roughly $35 million in space beneath the projected first luxury tax apron for next season. Barrett is currently signed through next season under a $29.6 million cap hit, but then he’s slated to hit unrestricted free agency next summer. His maximum possible average annual salary? A cool $44 million per season. Raptors general manager Bobby Webster did say last week he’d consider blowing past that first apron if he felt his team was in a position to win, but that’s a huge “if” when you’re talking about that kind of money.
RJ Barrett’s Numbers Don’t Lie, But Injuries Do
Barrett, who’s 26, has been a starting presence in Toronto ever since they scooped him up from the New York Knicks in 2023. The dude definitely wants to stay in Toronto, telling reporters as much earlier this week. Last season, he put up solid numbers, averaging 19.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while shooting 49.1 percent from the field and 33.9 percent from deep over 57 games. And he really stepped up when it mattered most, increasing his production to 24.1 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and 1.3 steals per playoff game before the Cleveland Cavaliers bounced the Raptors in a tough Game 7 of the 2026 first round.
However, a big concern is his availability. Barrett has missed significant time in each of his last two seasons due to injuries, including nagging knee and ankle issues. That kind of history can make teams hesitate when they’re talking about max-level money.
So, here’s the deal: whether any progress gets made on these extension negotiations, and if Leonard can genuinely lead the Raptors to a serious playoff run, could totally decide if the franchise even considers putting Barrett and his expiring contract on the trade block before the February 2027 deadline. It’s a massive crossroads for Barrett and the Raptors’ wallet, and the clock is ticking.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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