The Toronto Raptors were active ahead of the trade deadline. Most notably, they acquired Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans and were a part of the monstrous five-team trade that sent Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors. However, while the trade deadline has come and gone, that does not mean the Raptors are completely done in the market. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer (subscription required), Raptors wing RJ Barrett is a player who could be on the move in the offseason.
“Pinpointing Barrett’s standing is trickier. The Canadian has two more seasons left on his current contract after this one at $27.7 million in 2025-26 and then $29.6 million in 2026-27. And before that final year arrives, Toronto will almost certainly be holding contract extension talks with Gradey Dick, who the Raptors have held in as high regard as anyone in the building who doesn’t have BARNES stitched into the back of his jersey. Don’t forget that the Raptors also drafted Ja’Kobe Walter, another scoring guard, with the No. 19 pick last June. All of that makes Barrett someone who has to be monitored as a potential trade candidate once the offseason arrives. The modern NBA is now dominated by contract extensions and players getting traded to the team that is willing to give them one … with surrounding players occasionally rendered casualties along the way.”
In his first full season with the Raptors, Barrett is putting together a solid campaign. Through 41 games, he is averaging 21.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.7 assists. Furthermore, after missing each of the team’s last five games, he is expected to return to the court tonight against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Toronto Raptors Key Starter Named ‘Potential Trade Candidate’
RJ Barrett Has Enjoyed His Time in Toronto
Barrett was born in Toronto and had a bit of a homecoming after the Raptors acquired him from the New York Knicks. At the time, the Duke alum called his return to Toronto “a literal dream come true.”
“It’s just a literal dream come true,” he says. “I grew up with my dad taking me to games. […] When I found out I was coming home, I didn’t know how to act. I was pinching myself and telling my people, ‘We’re really here. We’re playing for the Toronto Raptors.’”
Over a year later, Barrett still enjoys playing for the Raptors, calling his experience “amazing.”
“It’s just such a blessing to be here. It means a lot more for me to put on this jersey every day, as well as just being back home. I’ve lived in the States for like, nine to 10 years, to be back in Canada now, I get to live in my hometown,” Barrett said in an interview with Daily Hive. “It’s been amazing.”
Barrett has seemed to enjoy his career with the Raptors to this point. However, his days in Toronto could be numbered.
The Last Word
It seems unlikely the Raptors will make a push for the playoffs this season. They are currently 17-37, which is the third-worst in the Eastern Conference. Regardless, there is a lot to like about the roster, especially following the addition of Ingram. They have an intriguing young core and could make a postseason appearance in the near future. Whether Barrett is a part of their future, however, is worth keeping an eye on.
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