RJ Barrett’s extension case faces its biggest test with Kawhi Leonard sidelined

Raptors Rapture argues that the Toronto Raptors' stretch of games without the injured Kawhi Leonard serves as a pivotal test for RJ Barrett's contract extension hopes. With Barrett in the final year of his current deal, writer Chris Lambert asserts that the forward must prove he can consistently act as the secondary scoring option behind Scottie Barnes while Leonard is sidelined.

Lambert notes that while Barrett impressed in a secondary role during the 2026 playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, his recent performances have lacked consistency. The writer suggests that establishing reliability over this extended regular-season run would strongly bolster Barrett's case for general manager Bobby Webster to award him a long-term extension.