Raptors extend coach Darko Rajakovic to multi-year deal

The Toronto Raptors have agreed to a multiyear contract extension with head coach Darko Rajakovic, the team announced on Thursday, July 2. The move comes on the heels of a 16-win improvement this past season and solidifies the team's leadership ahead of a pivotal period following the blockbuster acquisition of star forward Kawhi Leonard.

Rajakovic, who just completed his third season with the Raptors, guided the team to a 46-36 record and the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. The Raptors then pushed the favored Cleveland Cavaliers to a full seven games in a competitive first-round playoff series. Over his three-year tenure, which began when he replaced Nick Nurse in 2023, Rajakovic has compiled a 101-145 record, overseeing a significant roster retooling that saw the departures of key players like Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby.

In a statement, Raptors general manager Bobby Webster praised Rajakovic's development philosophy and commitment to a team-first culture, noting the team's hard-playing, cohesive identity. Rajakovic expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating he is proud of the progress made but acknowledged there is still a lot of work to do, with the goal of...