R.J. Barrett’s Future More Uncertain Than Ever with the Raptors

Toronto thought they had found their forward of the future. But as the offseason approaches, the future of R.J. Barrett is far from guaranteed. According to reporter Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the 26-year-old Canadian forward is currently being included in discussions involving multiple teams. A situation that is gaining momentum as the Raptors evaluate their options to build a competitive roster.

PLAYER PROFILE

R.J. BARRETT

Position(s): Guard

Height: 198 cm

Age: 26 years old (06/14/2000)

Nationality:

2025-2026 Stats / NBA

PTS

19.8

#46

REB

5.5

#100

AST

3.4

#104

An Expiring Contract Attracting Plenty of Interest

Barrett is entering the final year of his $29.6 million contract before becoming an unrestricted free agent. This type of expiring deal is a valuable tool in negotiations, particularly for franchises looking to balance their books in an ambitious trade. On the court, the forward delivered his best season yet, averaging 19.3 points on 49.1% shooting, setting personal records in true shooting percentage (58.5%) and effective field-goal percentage (55.0%).

In the playoffs, Barrett raised his game even further, putting up 24.1 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 1.3 steals on 39% from three, guiding the Raptors all the way to Game 7 against the Cavs. A playoff return that marks real progress for Toronto, who had missed the postseason in each of the three previous years.

“Toronto Raptors swingman RJ Barrett has drawn trade interest in multi-team conversations, league sources told HoopsHype.”

“The Canadian swingman is on an expiring $29.62 million contract this upcoming season. He’s averaged 20.5 points on 49.5 percent shooting from the field and… https://t.co/JXDjbgvxFq pic.twitter.com/z55HdzpoIr

— Omer Osman (@OmerOsman200) June 21, 2026

Despite these performances, the Canadian franchise has yet to make any definitive decision. Executive vice president Bobby Webster had already tempered expectations around his forward back in May: “We’ll keep those conversations private. I’ve spoken with him throughout the season and at the end of the season. The good thing is he’s under contract, so that’s also something we can discuss at the end of next season.”

Barrett Wants to Stay, But the Decision Isn’t His

From the player’s side, the message is clear. After the elimination against Cleveland, Barrett made no secret of his desire to stay in Toronto: “I’m from here, who wouldn’t want to play at home? Of course I’m trying to stay here. I understand it’s a business, but I want to stay here, I have no problem saying that. I want to be here for the rest of my career, I never want to leave. But that’s not up to me.”

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A strong statement, which stands in contrast to the current rumors. On the management side, the financial equation is complicating matters. Toronto has already committed large sums around Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley and Jakob Poeltl. Brandon Ingram is expected to pick up his player option worth $41.9 million for 2027-2028. Extending Barrett on a nine-figure contract would risk doubling down on a roster with an uncertain salary cap outlook. The Canadian front office is likely to look for an exit for Quickley and Poeltl, who would account for $52 million against the salary cap next season.

RJ BARRETT HITS THE GO-AHEAD 3 IN OT TO WIN IT FOR THE RAPTORS AND FORCE GAME 7 🚨

WHAT A SHOT WITH THE SEASON ON THE LINE 😲 pic.twitter.com/FI6yKSWCaq

— NBA (@NBA) May 2, 2026

The Raptors‘ front office therefore faces a major strategic choice: keep Barrett as a cornerstone of the project, or use him as a trade chip to bring in a higher-caliber player. In what promises to be a particularly busy offseason, his future has become one of the hottest topics in the NBA.