Raptors’ RJ Barrett ‘Didn’t See’ Knicks Trade Coming: ‘I Was So Confused’ | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

While R.J. Barrett was excited about the move that sent him from the New York Knicks to his hometown Toronto Raptors last month, he recently admitted that the trade caught him off guard.

“I had no clue. I just got the call when it happened. I was like, ‘What is going on?'” Barrett told Andscape’s Marc J. Spears. “I was so confused. I didn’t see it coming. When he told me the Raptors, I was like, ‘OK, at least I’m coming home.'”

Barrett had spent the first four-plus seasons of his career in New York after being selected third overall by the franchise in the 2019 draft.

However, the Knicks opted to part ways with Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and a 2024 second-round pick in a surprise deal with Toronto in exchange for OG Anunoby, Malachi Flynn and Precious Achiuwa.

Barrett has been impressive since joining the struggling Raptors. In four games, he’s averaging 21.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists while shooting 53.8 percent from the floor and 52.6 percent from deep.

The Raptors are 3-1 since acquiring Barrett, though they still sit 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 15-21 record and are unlikely to make the postseason with more moves expected ahead of the February trade deadline.

Pascal Siakam continues to be included in trade rumors and if the Raptors move him, the team’s struggles may only get worse.