The Toronto Raptors’ front office is considering bold moves this offseason.
After a 2024-25 season that saw flashes of promise but fell short of playoff contention, the Raptors are looking to solidify their core and address roster fit issues.
Recent reports suggest that the team is open to significant changes, potentially involving cutting ties with a key player from their current lineup.
Forbes’ Evan Sidery weighed in on the situation on Monday.
“The Raptors appear open to trading RJ Barrett as they plan to prioritize Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick as their starting wing trio moving forward,” Sidery wrote.
“Barrett produced a career-best season in Toronto averaging 21.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game.”
Barrett, a former No. 3 overall pick by the New York Knicks, was acquired from the New York in the OG Anunoby trade. He has thrived in Toronto, posting career highs across the board.
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Barrett’s growth as a playmaker in Toronto and his fit alongside Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley made him a fan favorite at Scotiabank Arena, where he’s celebrated as a Mississauga native.
However, the Raptors’ acquisition of Brandon Ingram in February, followed by a three-year, $120 million extension, has crowded the wing position, especially with Gradey Dick emerging as a high-upside talent.
Toronto appears ready to prioritize the Barnes/Ingram/Dick trio, which leaves Barrett as the odd man out. Perhaps Toronto feels that Barrett’s ball-dominant style may overlap too much with Ingram.
The Raptors’ willingness to explore trades isn’t new—Barrett was reportedly discussed in the Ingram trade talks, though New Orleans opted for Bruce Brown and Kelly Olynyk instead.
With Barrett’s contract carrying $27.7 million next season and $29.6 million in 2026-27, he’s a valuable trade chip.
Playoff contenders like the Memphis Grizzlies or rebuilding teams like the Washington Wizards could view Barrett as a young, high-upside wing worth paying for. A trade with Washington could net Toronto a defensive-minded guard like Marcus Smart or draft capital to further their rebuild.
For Raptors fans, trading Barrett would be bittersweet.
Yet, with Barnes as the franchise cornerstone and Ingram and Dick poised for bigger roles, the front office may see this as a necessary step to streamline the roster.
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