Raptors sign head coach Rajakovic to multi-year extension

The Toronto Raptors have agreed to a multi-year contract extension with head coach Darko Rajakovic, the team announced Thursday.

Rajakovic led the Raptors to a 46-36 record this past season, improving the club by 16 wins and earning the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference.

Toronto pushed the Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games in the first round of the playoffs.

He has a 101-145 record over three seasons with Toronto.

"Darko's strong development philosophy and commitment to a team-first culture shine through on a daily basis," Raptors general manager and executive vice-president Bobby Webster said in a statement.

"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."

Rajakovic finished 10th in NBA Coach of the Year voting and became the first European head coach to guide an NBA team through a full season and into the playoffs.

Terms of the extension were not disclosed.

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"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 a 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."

That goal recently received a shot in the arm with Toronto re-acquiring superstar Kawhi Leonard in a reported trade with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Leonard was the leader of the Raptors team that won the 2018-19 NBA championship in his lone season with the club.

His addition gives