Raptors Surprisingly To Shop Core Piece in Trade Talks This Summer

After doing nothing but lead the team in scoring and putting up career-best numbers since being acquired by his hometown team, we're hearing rumors that RJ Barrett will be shopped by the Toronto Raptors this summer in trade talks.

RJ Barrett is a potential trade candidate this summer, per @MikeAScotto

“Based on conversations before the deadline, Barrett could be a trade candidate to monitor this summer. Barrett was discussed in trade talks for Ingram with New Orleans, but the Pelicans preferred the… pic.twitter.com/pet0D0E5M8
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 3, 2025

"Based on conversations before the deadline, Barrett could be a trade candidate to monitor this summer," writes insider Michael Scotto.

"Barrett was discussed in trade talks for (Brandon) Ingram with New Orleans, but the Pelicans preferred the expiring contract of Bruce Brown and stretch-five center Kelly Olynyk, who’s owed $13.45 million next season, league sources told HoopsHype."

Barrett is averaging 21.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 5.6 assists this season while playing 33 minutes per night, across 48 games.

The Toronto-born star came over to the Raptors as part of the OG Anunoby trade with the New York Knicks along with Immanuel Quickley. Barrett had a tremendous debut with his homeown team last season in 32 games with almost identical numbers to this year, while shooting 39% from three.

It would be disappointing for a lot of fans to see the Canadian kid get dealt.

The rumors all come about as a result of the acquisition (and subsequent signing) of Ingram, who plays a similar position and is three years older than Barrett. Ingram has averaged close to 23 points per game over the last six seasons with the Pelicans, along with 5.5 boards and 5.2 assists, while shooting 37% from long distance. He was signed to a 3-year, $120M extension upon his arrival at the trade deadline.

Barrett still has two seasons to run on his deal, at $27.7 million and $29.62 million.