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Toronto Raptors: Delon Wright looking to clarify future ahead of season

By Paul Taylor

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 5: Delon Wright #55 of the Toronto Raptors shoots the ball during the second half of an NBA preseason game against of Melbourne United at Scotiabank Arena on October 5, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 5: Delon Wright #55 of the Toronto Raptors shoots the ball during the second half of an NBA preseason game against of Melbourne United at Scotiabank Arena on October 5, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Delon Wright reportedly wants to negotiate a contract extension with the Toronto Raptors, prior to the start of the 2018-19 season.

Delon Wright‘s importance to the Toronto Raptors seems apparent enough. He is a valuable member off the bench, and this is reflected in his placing in the projected depth chart.

As noted by Sportsnet, Wright is able to guard all three perimeter positions. He is also an excellent playmaker at the offensive end of the court.

In terms of the 26-year-old’s statistical impact, he is coming off a season where he set career-high averages for points, assists, rebounds and minutes, as well as games played. He has also proved to be a decent three-point shooter, nailing 36.6 percent of his shots from downtown.

With all this in mind, Wright has one eye on the future, as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. He will become a restricted free agent following the 2018-19 campaign, and the Raptors can make a qualifying offer of just over $3.6 million for next season.

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However, the 2015 20th overall draft pick is thinking more long-term. As reported by ESPN’s Zach Lowe, his agent Greg Lawrence is headed to Toronto this weekend, to discuss a potential extension ahead of the new season.

Wright and the Raptors have until Oct. 15 to agree any new deal. However, the reality is it is unlikely to come to fruition, regardless of how important he is to the team.

That’s because, as much as the point guard has one eye on the future, so does the team. More specifically, in respect of Kawhi Leonard.

If Leonard were to stay past this season, it will cost a significant amount of money to keep him. This would in turn theoretically impact how much the Raptors have to offer elsewhere, especially when considering the salary cap implications.

As Lowe points out, where the Los Angeles, California native will be more likely to prosper, is if Leonard doesn’t return to Toronto next season. As such, the likelihood as Lawrence being able to negotiate an extension between now and Oct. 15 is very low.

There has even been some speculation that the Raptors may attempt to move Wright before the Feb. 8 trade deadline. However, this also seems unlikely.

Apart from Wright’s importance to the roster, it doesn’t make much sense to trade him while Leonard’s future is up in the air. Overall, we expect his long-term future to be an intriguing subplot during the course of the upcoming season.

Next. Latest Raptors odds ahead of 2018-19 season. dark

What is your opinion of Wright’s importance to the Toronto Raptors? Would you like to see the team negotiate a contract extension, or let him play out the final year of his rookie contract? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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