RJ Barrett’s future, Jakob Poeltl’s back and a Scottie Barnes photo-bomb: What we learned at Raptors media day - Toronto Star
Leonard's return drew the spotlight, but conditioning, defensive goals and no extension for Barrett also got attention.
RJ Barrett speaks at the Raptors media day in Toronto on Monday.
RJ Barrett knew the question was going to come. The Raptors star chose his words carefully after a long pause when asked how he felt about not reaching an agreement for a contract extension with the NBA team this summer.
“I don’t control any of that stuff,” Barrett said during the Raptors’ media day Monday. “I just control my effort … and how I train. I come in and try to help the team, so I’m just going to continue to control the things I can control.”
Barrett is in the final year of his four-year, $107-million (U.S.) contract and will be a free agent next summer if the Raptors don’t sign him to an extension. The Mississauga native has repeatedly expressed his love for playing in his hometown but nothing has been resolved.
Barrett sat out of Canada Basketball’s FIBA qualification windows this summer amid the uncertainty. His name has been in numerous trade rumours since the Raptors acquired him in a deal that sent OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks in 2023.
Raptors general manager Bobby Webster said last week the team signing Kawhi Leonard to a contract extension won’t influence its decision on a Barrett deal.
The Raptors were a top-five defensive unit in the NBA last season, and the goal is to match or exceed that this year.
Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic expects the team to be more switchable on defence and praised the off-season development of several players on that end of the floor.
“It’s not one player that’s gonna change a lot, but it’s a contribution of all the guys together,” Rajakovic said.
Raptors star forward Scottie Barnes said the team’s familiarity and understanding of each other’s tendencies gives them an edge.
‘We can be real dangerous on that end of the floor. Just with our personnel, we got guys that move their feet really well,” Barnes said. “I think it’s gonna be really scary.”
