NBA forward R.J. Barrett seems to have welcomed his trade from the New York Knicks to the Toronto Raptors last December.
The Knicks sent Barrett, the third overall pick in 2019, Immanuel Quickley, and a first-round draft pick to the Raptors in exchange for OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn.
The inclusion of Barrett was something of a shocker: Barrett was the Knicks' highest draft pick since Patrick Ewing in 1985. He became the first Knick since Charlie Ward to sign a multi-year contract after his rookie deal. Barrett had embraced the bright lights of New York as well as any player could have, and became one of the faces of the team's revitalization back into a playoff squad.
However, while speaking to Sharp Magazine's David Stol, Barrett, who is from Toronto, said the trade back to his hometown was a "dream come true."
"It's just a literal dream come true," Barrett told Stol. "I grew up with my dad taking me to games. […] When I found out I was coming home, I didn't know how to act. I was pinching myself and telling my people, 'We're really here. We're playing for the Toronto Raptors.'"
Barrett said he misses aspects about New York, mainly his teammates and the fans. He also said he is proud of the growth of the team during his 4.5 seasons with the Knicks — going from a 21-45 record his rookie year to a second-round playoff appearance in 2022-23.
"I think people forget that we really built something there," Barrett said. "When I arrived, we weren't contending. We weren't close, really. My sophomore year, we made the playoffs. Then, we just kept building. We gave the fans something to cheer for. And they deserve it, man. It's a tough city but you earn their love. I'm glad we got there for them."
Barrett averaged 18.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists over his 4.5 seasons with the Knicks. He dazzled as a scorer at times and proved willing to play whatever role was asked, but as the Knicks built up their team, he proved to be a clunky fit with ball-dominant players like Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle.
Barrett thrived after the trade to Toronto, averaging 21.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting 39% from three — five points better than his average with New York. Barrett was a bright spot on a rebuilding Raptors team that went 13-37 after the trade.
Now Barrett is tasked with helping lead a rebuild, alongside Quickley and All-Star forward Scottie Barnes.
"There’s a different kind of pressure coming back to Toronto — coming back home — that I feel blessed to have," Barrett told Stol.
The Knicks, meanwhile, went 20-3 with Anunoby in the lineup, as they made the second round of the playoffs again.
The Knicks-Raptors deal is one of the rare NBA trades that seems to have worked out for everyone.
