RJ Barrett is entering the final season of his current contract with the Toronto Raptors, but there has been little progress toward an extension so far.
Barrett is eligible to sign a four-year extension worth up to $185.7 million. However, Toronto’s increased payroll following the acquisition and extension of Kawhi Leonard could make an offer at that level unlikely.
The Canadian wing has previously made it clear that he would prefer to remain with the Raptors long term, while acknowledging that the decision is not entirely under his control.
“I’m trying to stay here. I understand the business, but I want to stay here. I have no problem saying that,” Barrett said. “I want to be here. I want to be here for the rest of my career. I don’t ever want to leave. Like, I don’t have any problems openly saying that.”
With no significant extension talks taking place yet, Barrett is leaving negotiations to his representatives and concentrating on basketball.
“I think the first thing is, a lot of times, players get too upset about it,” Barrett said when asked about his contract situation. “One, they’re still gonna pay me a lot of money this year anyway ($29.6 million), so I’ve gotta be thankful for that. And then I have a good agent – I just let him do his thing. Whatever happens, happens.”
