Raptors may take patient approach with RJ Barrett, exploring roster upgrades

RJ Barrett is eligible for a contract extension this summer. That doesn’t necessarily mean the Raptors are rushing to get one done.

According to Eric Koreen of The Athletic, Toronto may prefer to take a wait-and-see approach with Barrett, who is entering the final year of his current contract and will remain extension-eligible through the start of next offseason.

As Koreen noted in a recent mailbag, Barrett’s contract situation gives the Raptors flexibility as they continue evaluating ways to improve the roster.

Barrett is scheduled to earn nearly $30 million next season and, unlike several other highly paid players on Toronto’s roster, could potentially emerge as a valuable trade asset if the front office decides to pursue a major move.

That doesn’t mean the Raptors are looking to move the Toronto native.

But as Koreen pointed out, signing Barrett to a new extension immediately would eliminate some of that flexibility.

Raptors still exploring upgrades

Elsewhere in the mailbag, Koreen suggested Barrett and draft assets could represent Toronto’s strongest trade package if the team decides to pursue a significant roster upgrade this offseason.

Among the names discussed were Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III, whom Koreen described as an especially intriguing fit, albeit one who would likely come with a hefty price tag.

Shooting remains priority

Koreen also identified outside shooting as one of Toronto’s biggest needs.

Potential trade targets mentioned included Sam Hauser, Sam Merrill, Isaiah Joe, Malik Monk and Bobby Portis, among others.

In free agency, Koreen listed players such as Luke Kennard, Gary Trent Jr., Kevin Huerter, Landry Shamet and Keon Ellis as possible options.

That said, Koreen believes the most likely path may involve re-signing Sandro Mamukelashvili and looking for additional shooting through the draft and lower-cost veteran additions.

As always, much of Toronto’s offseason could hinge on what happens with Barrett and whether the Raptors decide to make a larger move.

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