RJ Barrett’s Trade Value Is Rising, But He Wants to Stay in Toronto

There is a version of the Toronto Raptors future that includes RJ Barrett, and there is another one where his expiring contract becomes a valuable trade chip. Right now both scenarios are very much alive.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Barrett has come up in multi-team trade talks. The 26-year-old forward is on a $29.62 million deal that runs out after this season, and that kind of expiring money tends to draw interest around the league. Scotto reported that Barrett has been part of those conversations, though no deal is imminent.

Since being traded back to his hometown team, Barrett has put up 20.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.3 assists while shooting nearly 50% from the field and 35.3% from three. That’s legit production for a wing who is still only 26. Last season he averaged 19.3 points and 5.3 boards for the Raptors, who pushed the Cavaliers to seven games before getting bounced in the first round.

Barrett has made it clear he does not want to leave. After that playoff series ended, he told reporters pretty directly: “I’m from here, who doesn’t want to play at home. Of course, I’m trying to stay here. I understand the business, but I want to stay here, I have no problem saying that, I want to be here, I want to be here for the rest of my career, I don’t ever want to leave.”

That is about as straightforward as it gets. He knows the league works on trades and contracts and timing, but his preference is obvious. He wants to finish his career in Toronto.

The tricky part is that the Raptors have decisions to make. They were competitive last season but still not quite a threat to the Celtics or Bucks or Knicks. If the front office wants to make a run at a star, Barrett’s salary becomes useful matching filler. If they want to keep building around Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley and Barrett, then he stays.

For now the buzz is just that. Buzz. But with an expiring deal and a player who has improved every season since leaving New York, the Raptors have options. Barrett has a preference. The question is whether the front office agrees with him.