RJ Barrett Named in Raptors Trade Report Before NBA Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt R. John | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 6:08 PM ET

Acquiring Brandon Ingram at the NBA trade deadline was a win-now move made by the Toronto Raptors. They indeed have the No. 9 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, but with Ingram and Scottie Barnes on the roster, the Raptors made it clear that they are not looking to tank.

However, Ingram's presence calls RJ Barrett's place on the roster into question. Ingram can score, but he's also ball-dominant. Factor that in with Barnes, who isn't the same player but similarly needs the ball in his hands, and it's hard to see how Barrett optimally fits on the roster next season.

The Raptors could try to see how those three play together, as sometimes having three 20-point scorers can mesh together. However, at other times, having players who score that much has also gotten in each other's way.

There's no telling what will happen, but the latest intel reveals that Barrett may not be on the Raptors for much longer. HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported that Toronto will look into trading the former No. 3 pick.

"Toronto has also continued to gauge the trade market on RJ Barrett, league sources told HoopsHype," Scotto wrote. "Barrett, who’s owed $57.32 million over the next two seasons, averaged a career-high 21.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game."

After the Kevin Durant trade, what’s next for the Rockets, Suns, Heat, Timberwolves & Raptors? How Tyrese Haliburton’s injury may affect Myles Turner, Thunder notes, Kings trade talks, Guerschon Yabusele’s free agency & a Chris Boucher chat on @hoopshype. https://t.co/JPtV9tM1wQ
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 23, 2025

The question will be whether the Raptors will try to trade him for an upgrade, sell him off for more assets, or trade for a player who fits better around their roster next season. For what he can do on the court, Barrett is adequately paid.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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