When the New York Knicks traded RJ Barrett to the Toronto Raptors, it signified the conclusion of an important chapter. Drafted third overall in 2019 from Duke, Barrett was expected to help revive the Knicks’ fortunes. However, after playing 345 games, his journey took him back to his hometown.
And it wasn’t for a holiday break.
RJ Barrett Reflects on Knicks Trade
In an interview with David Stol of *Sharp Magazine*, Barrett discussed the trade, emphasizing the progress the Knicks had made. “People forget that we really built something there,” he said.
“When I got there, we weren’t contending, not even close,” Barrett recalled. “By my second year, we made the playoffs. We kept improving, gave the fans something to be excited about. They deserve it. It’s a tough city, but you earn their love. I’m proud we gave them that.”
He added, “That pressure was really special.”
A New Kind of Pressure
Barrett seems to be handling the Knicks’ decision to move on from him after four-plus seasons with little resentment. While the pressure from New York’s passionate fan base was significant, the team’s front office wasn’t swayed by fan sentiment. They’re focused on rekindling their 90s glory and becoming championship contenders.
Like the Knicks, the Raptors are also pursuing another championship, but their fans are less focused on the past, placing less immediate pressure on the team. However, for Barrett, coming back to Toronto adds a new level of expectation.
“There’s a different type of pressure coming back home,” he explained. “It’s like a dream come true. I grew up going to games with my dad. When I found out I was coming back to play for the Raptors, I couldn’t believe it. I kept telling my people, ‘We’re really here, playing for the Toronto Raptors.’ It’s a blessing.”
A New Opportunity
Barrett is a solid player, averaging 18.4 points per game over his career. While he can take over games as a scorer, he’s not an elite athlete, which limits his ability to consistently dominate as a slasher, his strongest skill. His 34.6% three-point shooting also stands out, especially when considering the Knicks traded him for a key 3-and-D player.
Even though Barrett’s growth as a playmaker and defender wasn’t enough for the Knicks to retain him, with additions like Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo, it doesn’t mean he’s undervalued. Teams often find that players thrive with new opportunities, just as the Knicks did with Jalen Brunson, whose emergence made Barrett expendable.
For the Raptors, this change has allowed the Toronto native to deliver some of the best performances of his career.
