New NBA Rumors Update RJ Barrett's Raptors Contract Talks After Kawhi Leonard Trade

The Toronto Raptors reportedly opened training camp without having begun serious contract talks with RJ Barrett, according to Sportsnet's Michael Grange.

Grange reported Tuesday 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."

He added there is still "optimism that Barrett's desire to get a deal that keeps him in Toronto long-term isn't one sided."

Barrett is currently signed through next season under a $29.6 million cap hit before he is scheduled to hit unrestricted free agency next summer, per Spotrac. He expressed interest in staying in Toronto when speaking with reporters earlier this week.

The news comes just over a week after the delayed trade to acquire Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers was finalized.

The completion of the trade, which sent Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick to Los Angeles, gave the Raptors a better understanding of what their salary cap looks like moving forward.

The franchise will be set to pay out $115 million to Leonard from 2027 to 2029 should he activate the player option on the back end of his new extension.

The Raptors have also committed significant money on long-term deals for Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley and Jakob Poetl.

The franchise has about $178 million promised to that trio and Leonard alongside Collin Murray-Boyles, Allen Graves and Ja'Kobe Walter next season. Outside of those players, the Raptors are set next season to have about $35 million in space beneath the projected first luxury tax apron.

That could impact the Raptors' willingness to pay Barrett a maximum possible average annual salary of $44 million per season.

Raptors general manager Bobby Webster said last week he would consider exceeding the first apron this season if he felt his team was in position to win.

Barrett has played a starting role in Toronto since his acquisition from the New York Knicks in 2023, although he has missed significant time in each of his last two seasons.

The 26-year-old most recently averaged 19.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting 49.1 percent from the field and 33.9 percent from deep through 57 games last season when not sidelined by injuries including knee and ankle issues.

He increased his production to 24.1 points, seven rebounds, four assists and 1.3 steals per playoff game before the Raptors were eliminated by the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 7 of the 2026 first round.

Whether any progress is made on extensions negotiations, and if Leonard can help put the Raptors on track for another playoff run, could determine if the franchise ultimately considers placing Barrett and his expiring contract on the trade black ahead of the February 2027 deadline.