In a significant trade between the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors, RJ Barrett returns home to Canada in exchange for OG Anunoby. Also, a potential young star Immanuel Quickley (from my old alma mater University of Kentucky) came to Canada. In total, the weekend trade saw the Knicks sending Barrett, Quickley, and the Detroit Pistons’ 2024 second-round pick to the Raptors in exchange for Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn.
One key to the deal is bringing Canadian talent Barrett back to Canada and “into the fold,” potentially as a new young leader for this team. The trade could be a game-changer for the Raptors. BTW, from what I’ve seen Quickley is super good.
Related: Steve Kerr Charges that NBA’s Defensive Decline Is ‘Disgusting’
Raptors Make a Groundbreaking Trade
Here’s a breakdown of why this trade might be a strong one for the Canadian-based Raptors.
First, the Raptors get a young Canadian with superstar potential. Barrett’s roots are deep in Toronto. He was born in the city and raised not far south in Mississauga. Now just 23 years old, he brings this connection to the city and the country. It’s always exciting to have a young Canadian ball player in a Canadian city. Local fans should be excited.
Although Barrett hasn’t realized his potential yet – he was a top high school recruit and the No. 3 pick in the 2018 draft – his youth leaves him room for growth. In that, the Raptors have invested in him.
Related: NBA Insider Says Lakers Raising In-Season Tournament Banner Shameful
Second, Barrett should have an on-court impact. He’s averaging 18.2 points as the third option for the Knicks. There he’s been able to show his scoring ability even in a stacked lineup. Against the Raptors, he scored 27 points in a single game. The point is that he has the potential to be a difference-maker on the court.
Third, Barrett is on a bargain contract and has future potential. Barrett comes with seasons of term on his contract. He’s on a four-year, $107 million contract that positions the Raptors strategically for the future. The fact that the NBA salary cap is expected to rise makes this trade look like it could have the potential to soon be a bargain.
Also. while Barret is already a valuable asset, his trajectory suggests that he has the potential to evolve into an All-Star caliber player. He’s been working hard to improve his play (as shown by an improving free-throw percentage, which is currently over 83 percent this season). He looks like a strong, hard-working player.
The Raptors Haven’t Had a Canadian Player This Good Before
By coming to Canada, Barrett is filling a Canadian-star vacuum. The Raptors have had Canadian players before; however, Barrett brings a star pedigree that the team has been missing. His scoring power and his potential as an All-Star candidate fill a void and add genuine Canadian star power to the roster.
With the addition of Barrett, the Raptors further solidified their position as Canada’s team. Having a home-grown star adds a new connection between the team and its passionate fanbase all across the country of Canada.
The addition of Barrett does two good things for the Raptors. It gives them a good player; and, second, it gives them a good Canadian player. From Barrett’s standpoint, how great to come home to play in front of family and friends.
Related: Raptors Finalizing a Trade to Send OG Anunoby to New York Knicks
