Raptors, Dwane Casey officially agree to 3-year extension

The Toronto Raptors have reached an agreement with head coach Dwane Casey on a three-year extension.

Casey had a team option for 2016-17 worth $3.8 million in his existing contract, but that has been scrapped in favor of a reported $18-million extension that carries through the 2018-19 season.

Since taking over a 23-win team in 2011, the Raptors have improved their win percentage every season under Casey to the point where the 56-win Raptors pushed the Cleveland Cavaliers for tops in the East this season.

The Raptors have also won the Atlantic Division three times, made three straight playoff appearances, and went to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in franchise history under Casey's guidance.

The defense-first Casey has instilled a culture of hard work and accountability in Toronto. With that system in place, players like DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Lowry, and Jonas Valanciunas have been allowed to grow into marquee players.

Casey is the NBA's fourth-longest tenured coach, behind Gregg Popovich, Rick Carlisle, and Erik Spoelstra.