NBA rumors: RJ Barrett could “pop up” in trade talks if Raptors move a star

The Toronto Raptors missed out on a golden opportunity to retool their roster at the trade deadline, choosing to hold onto players like OG Anunoby and Fred VanVleet despite prospective contenders like the New York Knicks making legitimate efforts to acquire a difference-maker.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Knicks and Raptors started very preliminary discussions on a deal that would have sent Anunoby to the Knicks in exchange for three first-round picks (which will likely be heavily protected) and Evan Fournier. The deal never moved into advanced stages.

Another Knicks star could become available relatively soon in the form of native Canadian RJ Barrett. Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle have become the clear top dogs on this team, leaving Barrett in a position of decreased value and importance. The Knicks are always chasing stars, so a move that sends Barrett away wouldn’t be shocking.

Scotto opined that Barrett’s name could “pop up” in trade talks if the Knicks are going after a star. While the word “star” is intentionally subjective, the Raptors should be poking around Barrett’s market if there is any chance of the Knicks parting ways with him.

NBA rumors: Toronto Raptors potential target RJ Barrett is available.

Barrett agreed to a four-year, $107 million contract that will kick in after this season. For a team that needs perimeter scoring and is on the verge of losing some of their better offensive players in Gary Trent Jr. and Fred VanVleet, pivoting to Barrett could be an A+ way for Masai Ujiuri to replace that punch.

Barrett is averaging just a few ticks under 20 points per game in the last two seasons, becoming the first Knicks first-round pick since Charlie Ward to receive a long-term contract extension with the team. The offensive creation and smooth style that everyone salivated over at Duke has transferred over.

Barrett will need to get his 3-point percentage back up to the 40% he was stroking it at last season before Toronto can feel 100% confident in his ability to replicate his New York success. VanVleet and Anunoby have both been targeted by the Knicks at one point or another. Perhaps this can help consummate a deal?

Ujiri may believe in his current core, but it’s clear that this team has flaws that will only be fixed by a substantial trade that changes the makeup of this team. Bringing in Barrett is admittedly a longshot, but the Raptors need to go big to compete in the Eastern Conference.