What to know
- RJ Barrett says he wants to remain with the Toronto Raptors long-term, telling reporters he hopes to spend the rest of his career with the team.
- The Mississauga native made the comments during the Raptors’ end-of-season media availability following their Game 7 playoff loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
- Barrett joined Toronto in a 2023–24 trade with the New York Knicks and has since become a key contributor, averaging around 20 points per game along with solid rebounds and assists.
- Despite trade speculation as he enters the final year of his contract, Barrett acknowledged his future is not in his control but said he has done his part and hopes to stay.
No matter which way the wind blows, Toronto Raptors guard RJ Barrett says he wants to stay with the team for the long run.
During the team’s end-of-season media availability on Monday, the Mississauga native reassured fans that he wants to stay in Toronto and isn’t looking to move on.
“I’m from here, and who doesn’t want to play at home? So of course, I’m trying to stay here. I understand the business. I want to stay here,” Barrett said. “I want to be here for the rest of my career. I don’t ever want to leave.”
Barrett’s comments come after the Raptors’ playoff run ended with a loss in Game 7 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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Barrett joined Toronto during the 2023-24 season in a trade with the New York Knicks as part of the deal that sent OG Anunoby to New York. Since arriving in Toronto, he has taken on a major role in the team’s offence, averaging roughly 20 points per game along with about six rebounds and three assists, while providing consistent scoring and perimeter play.
As a Toronto-area native, Barrett has quickly become a fan favourite, with several standout performances during his time with the Raptors. One of his more notable moments included a late-game three-pointer that helped secure a key win during the season.
Barrett is entering the final guaranteed year of his contract, which is worth about $29.6 million for the season, and speculation has already begun about whether the Raptors will consider moving him.
Barrett acknowledged that his future is ultimately out of his hands, but said he hopes to remain in Toronto.
“That’s out of my control. I’ve done my part on the court this year, and I will continue to do my part and hope things work out that way,” he said.
