Once a Knick, always a Knick — the saying undoubtedly applies to former first-round draft pick RJ Barrett.
The Knicks traded Barrett, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, and Immanuel Quickley to the Toronto Raptors in the Dec. 30 deal that netted OG Anunoby and Precious Achiuwa. For many, it was a surprising move, trading away a player who had become a cornerstone of the Knicks’ rebuilding efforts.
Yet Barrett, a consummate professional, is embracing the challenge as he returns to his hometown of Toronto.
In an in-season interview with Canadian publication *Sharp Magazine* that went live on Aug. 30, Barrett reminisced about his time in New York, highlighting his integral role in the Knicks’ transformation from a struggling franchise to a legitimate playoff contender.
“When I arrived, we weren’t contending. We weren’t close, really,” Barrett said, reflecting on the state of the franchise during his rookie season. The Knicks were coming off a franchise-worst 17-65 record, and expectations were low. “My sophomore year, we made the playoffs. Then, we just kept building.”
Barrett quickly became a vital part of the Knicks’ future as a talented forward with inside-out scoring ability and a smooth three-point shot. His development was pivotal for the Knicks, who had been searching for a young star to build around.
Barrett became just the fourth Knick to score 3,498 or more points in his first 200 career games, joining the ranks of Knicks legends like Patrick Ewing, Walt Frazier, and Willis Reed. Prior to his mid-season trade to the Raptors, Barrett was averaging 18 points and five rebounds per game, solidifying his status as a reliable offensive option.
As a result, he helped end a seven-year Knicks’ playoff drought with two postseason appearances: first in 2021, where they experienced a first-round exit, and then again in 2023, where they advanced to the second round.
“We gave the fans something to cheer for. And they deserve it, man,” Barrett emphasized. “It’s a tough city, but you earn their love. I’m glad we got there for them.”
Playing in New York meant more than just basketball; it meant embracing the intensity of The Mecca’s sports culture, where every game is scrutinized relentlessly by fans and media alike.
The pressure cooker prepared Barrett for his next chapter with the Raptors.
“That pressure was really special,” he acknowledged. “But there’s a different kind of pressure coming back to Toronto — coming back home — that I feel blessed to have.”
“There are a few things I miss, sure,” he continued. “Mostly, I miss my boys over there [in New York], the relationships you build over time. And the fans. That pressure was really special.”
Now in Toronto, Barrett is already showing that he can adapt and excel in a new environment. In his expanded offensive role alongside Quickley and franchise cornerstone Scottie Barnes, Barrett is reaching new heights.
He averaged career-highs in scoring (21.8 points), shooting efficiency (55.3% from the field and 39.2% from three), rebounding (6.4 boards), and playmaking (4.1 assists) in the 32 games he played after the trade.
Reflecting on his journey, Barrett remains grateful for his time in New York and optimistic about his future in Toronto.
“It’s interesting just thinking from the beginning to now, you know, everything that has happened,” said Barrett, a Puma athlete. “Ups, downs, good times, bad times. It’s been such an amazing ride. I have a lot of people to thank for that.”
Barrett’s time with the Knicks may have come to an end, but his impact on the franchise and its fans will not be forgotten. He was a key figure in a critical period of the team’s history, helping to lay the foundation for a brighter future in New York. Now, he’s ready to do the same in Toronto, armed with the experience and lessons learned during his time as a Knick.
“Being home really puts that in perspective. I want to grow with Puma, and I want to win with the Raptors, but I also want my people around me for it. I think the older I get, the more I realize that my idea of success—being ‘the guy’—is about how many people I can bring with me.”
