Deadline passes for Raptors, Delon Wright to reach extension

Toronto Raptors GM Bobby Webster explains why it was a mutual decision for both the team and Delon Wright, not to sign an extension before the window to do so closed.

Delon Wright will play out the final year of his rookie contract without an extension in place after the guard and Toronto Raptors let Monday’s deadline pass.

The 20th-overall pick from 2015, whose 2018-19 salary cap hit is just north of $2.5 million, had until Oct. 15 to sign an extension. Wright’s agent, Greg Lawrence, reportedly flew into Toronto over the weekend to meet with team management for some last-minute negotiations.

Wright is now set to become a restricted free agent next summer but the Raptors have the right to match any offer their player might receive.

The 26-year-old’s third NBA season saw him average 8.0 points, 2.9 assists, 2.9 rebounds in 20.8 minutes per game across 69 appearances (all career highs) in 2017-18, while his defensive prowess and versatility made Wright a valuable asset at both ends of the floor.

The Raptors’ regular season begins Wednesday at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Wright is dealing with a thigh issue and his status for the game is up in the air.

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