NBA forward RJ Barrett appeared to welcome his trade from the New York Knicks to the Toronto Raptors last December.
The Knicks sent Barrett, the 2019 third overall pick, Immanuel Quickley and a first-round draft pick to the Raptors in exchange for OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn.
Barrett’s arrival was a surprise: Barrett was the Knicks’ first overall draft pick since Patrick Ewing in 1985. He became the first Knick since Charlie Ward to sign a multi-year contract after his rookie deal. Barrett had embraced the bright lights of New York as well as any player could, and became one of the faces of the team’s revitalization and return to a playoff position.
However, while speaking to David Stol of Sharp magazineBarrett, originally from Toronto, said returning to his hometown was a “dream come true.”
“It’s a dream come true,” Barrett told Stol. “I grew up with my dad taking me to games. […] “When I found out I was coming home, I didn’t know how to react. I was pinching myself and telling my loved ones, ‘We’re really here. We’re playing for the Toronto Raptors.'”
Barrett said he misses certain aspects of New York, including his teammates and the fans. He also said he’s proud of the team’s growth during his 4.5 seasons with the Knicks — going from a 21-45 record in his first year to a second-round appearance in the 2022-23 playoffs.
“I think people forget that we really built something there,” Barrett said. “When I came in, we weren’t competing. We weren’t really close. My second year, we made the playoffs. Then we just kept building. We gave the fans something to cheer about. And they deserve it, man. It’s a tough town, but we earned their love. I’m glad we got there for them.”
Barrett averaged 18.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists in his 4.5 seasons with the Knicks. He shined as a scorer at times and was willing to play any role, but as the Knicks built their team, he proved awkward against ball-dominant players like Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle.
Barrett thrived after his trade to Toronto, averaging 21.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 39 percent from three-point range, five points better than his average with New York. Barrett was a bright spot for a rebuilding Raptors team that went 13-37 after the trade.
Barrett is now tasked with helping lead the rebuild, alongside Quickley and All-Star forward Scottie Barnes.
“There’s a different kind of pressure coming back to Toronto – coming home – and I feel blessed to have that,” Barrett told Stol.
The Knicks, meanwhile, went 20-3 with Anunoby in the lineup as they once again advanced to the second round of the playoffs.
The Knicks-Raptors deal is one of the few NBA trades that seems to have worked out for everyone.
