Playing for your hometown team is special, particularly if that team is the only one in Canada. What’s even more special is to help that team win at the highest level. With the Kawhi Leonard trade finally done, the Raptors are one big step closer to title contention. However, RJ Barrett, the team’s homegrown star, may not be a part of that process much longer.
Barrett’s name is, once again, in trade rumors, and it’s a possibility that he is actually moved this time around.
His contract expires after this upcoming season, and the Raptors are in a tough financial situation, which means they can’t just hand out another rushed extension that could age badly. Barrett’s production, especially in the playoffs, and his expiring salary also make him the Raptors’ most valuable trade chip outside of untouchable players like Scottie Barnes, Leonard, and Collin Murray-Boyles. He reportedly already received trade interest over the summer. Moreover, there’s a strong belief that Ja’Kobe Walter will emerge as a better fit in the starting lineup due to his 3-and-D skill set.
If he gets traded, one thing that can soften the blow for Barrett, who has said he wants to stay with the Raptors, is knowing that he already had a big career highlight in Toronto.
Barrett’s Game 6 buzzer-beater was a big moment
Barrett emerged as one of the Raptors’ playoff heroes in more ways than one. When Brandon Ingram struggled to score, Barrett stepped up next to Scottie Barnes.
He also forced Game 7 with a big 3-pointer. The Raptors had a 104-102 lead with 11.6 seconds left in Game 6. Evan Mobley scored, and the game went into overtime. Neither team could create separation in overtime, but Donovan Mitchell gave the Cavs a two-point lead with just 33.7 seconds left to go. Jamal Shead made one free throw on the next possession, but missed the game-tying second one.
After that sequence, the Raptors forced a turnover from Evan Mobley, and Barrett hit a 3-pointer with 1.2 seconds left to decide the game and extend the series.
Hitting that type of shot in his hometown in front of a fanbase that was starved for playoff success after several rebuilding seasons was an unforgettable moment for Barrett—especially considering the similarities to Kawhi Leonard’s game-winner in 2019. That’s something no one can take away from Barrett, even if he does not get the long-term Raptors future he has said he wants.
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