Darko Rajaković signs multi-year extension to lead Raptors into Kawhi Leonard era
The Raptors coach who brought the team back to the playoffs for the first time in four seasons has been locked in long-term after guiding a 46-win turnaround.
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The Toronto Raptors have signed head coach Darko Rajaković to a multi-year contract extension, securing his future as the team aims for championship contention with the acquisition of two-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard.
Rajaković guided the Raptors to a 46-36 record this past season, an improvement of 16 wins over the previous year and the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference—the team's first playoff appearance in four seasons. General manager Bobby Webster cited Rajaković's "strong development philosophy" and commitment to a "team-first culture" as reasons for the extension.
"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," Webster said.
Rajaković spent nine seasons as an assistant coach with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, and Memphis Grizzlies before joining Toronto in June 2023. This will be his fourth season as Raptors head coach.
The extension comes as the Raptors prepare for the 2026-27 season with Leonard's arrival from the Los Angeles Clippers. The 35-year-old superstar won a championship with Toronto during the 2018-19 season and will strengthen a defence ranked among the NBA's top five this past year.
