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Raptors’ Darko Rajakovic rewarded with contract extension after playoff berth
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- Raptors’ Darko Rajakovic rewarded with contract extension after playoff berth
Raptors' Darko Rajakovic rewarded with contract extension after playoff berth appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Toronto Raptors and head coach Darko Rajakovic have agreed to a multi-year contract extension, the team announced on Thursday morning. While the terms of the contract extension were not released, sources told ClutchPoints this deal will span through the 2028-29 NBA season.
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Rajakovic, 47, was originally hired by the Raptors in June 2023 as the 10th head coach in Toronto's history, taking over on the sideline for Nick Nurse, who was hired by the Philadelphia 76ers.
Over his first three NBA seasons, Rajakovic has led the Raptors to a 101-145 record, going 46-36 during the 2025-26 season and making the playoffs for the first time in his tenure. This was the Raptors' first playoff appearance since 2022.
Although they fell in seven games to the Cleveland Cavaliers , Rajakovic and his team showed clear growth over the last year, leading executive Bobby Webster and the front office to offer him a new multi-year contract extension that he agreed to on Thursday.
"We're thrilled to extend Darko as head coach of the Toronto Raptors," Webster said in the team's press release. "Darko's strong development philosophy and commitment to a team-first culture shine through in a daily basis. We've seen these qualities play out on the court — our team plays hard, plays together, and fights until the end. Darko Knows there's more to be done, and we're looking forward to seeing the continued growth of this team."
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Under Rajakovic, numerous players on the Raptors' roster have taken a tremendous leap forward.
Scottie Barnes has become the face of the franchise as a multi-time All-Star, RJ Barrett has become a key weapon on the wing, and multiple recent draft picks, like Collin Murray-Boyles, Jamal Shead, and Ja'Kobe Walter, have become essential secondary contributors off the bench.
Between his abilities to develop talent and create a strong culture every day in Toronto, it was clear that the Raptors were going to keep Rajakovic around long-term with this new extension.
"I'm proud of the progress we've made, but our team knows there is still a lot of work to do, and I am looking forward to continuing to build and win with the Raptors," Rajakovic said in the release. "We will keep growing, keep working together, and stay committed to getting better every day as we reach for our goal of an NBA championship.
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"I am grateful to Bobby, to MLSE and the board of directors, to my coaching staff, and especially to the players."
Building for long-term success to chase another championship has been the Raptors' main goal since their magical run in 2019, when Kawhi Leonard and Pascal Siakam were the main catalysts in Toronto's success.
With Barnes emerging as a young star in the league and other key contributors, Webster and the Raptors decided now was the time to strike. As a result, Toronto recently agreed to a trade with the LA Clippers to bring Leonard back at the end of his career to compete for another championship.
In this deal, the Raptors gave up Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, second-round picks in 2030 and 2033, and a 2027 first-round swap.
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While this may seem like a lot of value for a 35-year-old who has dealt with knee problems in recent years, Kawhi is coming off his best statistical season ever. He is still performing at an All-NBA level on both ends of the court, which is why he can be the perfect veteran leader and All-Star to lead the Raptors to the top of the Eastern Conference.
The 2026-27 NBA season will be Rajakovic's fourth with the Raptors, joining Sam Mitchell, Dwane Casey, and Nurse as the fourth coach in team history to spend at least four seasons with the franchise.
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