Toronto Raptors Secure Key Free Agent
The Toronto Raptors are poised to secure their new franchise point guard. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Immanuel Quickley plans to sign a five-year, $175 million contract with the Raptors, cementing his role in the team’s long-term plans. This announcement follows closely on the heels of the Raptors’ extension of All-Star Scottie Barnes’s contract for $227 million, potentially reaching $270 million with incentives.
Quick to Impress
Quickley has made a significant impact as the Raptors’ starting point guard. In 38 games, he averaged 18.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game, along with nearly one steal per game. He showcased impressive shooting skills, hitting nearly 40% of his three-pointers and 37% of his pull-up threes. Quickley’s playmaking also flourished, recording nine games with 10 or more assists, including a career-high 18 assists against the Phoenix Suns.
ESPN Sources: Guard Immanuel Quickley intends to sign a five-year, $175 million contract to stay with the Toronto Raptors. Quickley arrived in trade with Knicks and established himself as a cornerstone player for Toronto. pic.twitter.com/7jtWabVxmr
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 28, 2024
Quickley proved to be a dependable scorer, scoring 20 or more points in over half of his games with Toronto, often stepping up when Barnes or RJ Barrett were unavailable. Transitioning from a bench player to a starter, Quickley has thrived in his new role, starting all 38 games for the Raptors.
His new contract, averaging $35 million per season, will rank him as the 18th highest-paid point guard in the league, according to Spotrac. While the deal hinges on Quickley’s continued improvement, the rising salary cap means his contract will consume 25% of the cap in the 2024-25 season, with that percentage decreasing over time.
Building a New Era
Toronto acquired Quickley and Barrett in a midseason trade with New York. Alongside Barnes, Gradey Dick, and rookie Ja’Kobe Walter, they form a promising young core. The Raptors are also taking chances on former lottery picks Ochai Agbaji and Davion Mitchell, and have added second-round picks Jonathan Mogbo, Jamal Shead, and Ulrich Chomche from this year’s draft. With a wealth of young talent, the Raptors are set to begin their rebuild and aim to return to competitiveness. The front office is patient, allowing this young group time to develop.
A New Franchise Point Guard
The Raptors are hopeful that Quickley can fill the role of the franchise point guard, a position once held by Fred VanVleet before his move to the Houston Rockets in free agency. Since the trade of Kyle Lowry in the 2020-21 season, the team has lacked a true star point guard. While Quickley may not yet be at that level, his precise shooting, passing ability, and high energy give Toronto hope that he can develop into their star point guard.
