Lately, there’s been a lot of debate about the NBA championship. Is it the world championship? Should it be considered the world championship?
Of course, technically, it’s merely the NBA championship. There are professional teams in other leagues that don’t participate in the NBA playoffs. On the other hand, we know that the NBA has the best collection of talent in the world. That talent isn’t exclusively American, either. Recently, the game has been more international than ever before. Europe, Africa, and Australia are producing NBA talent at an unprecedented level.
So is Canada. That’s good news for the Toronto Raptors. The more NBA players who grew up watching them, the better. A team will always have a better chance at retaining the services of a player who dreamed of playing for them. Could the Raptors acquire Ontario native RJ Barrett from the New York Knicks?
The Trade Proposal
New York Knicks Receive: G/F Gary Trent Jr., F/C Thaddeus Young, 2026 First-Round Pick (TOR)
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F RJ Barrett
In fact, the Raptors have had trouble retaining American talent in the best. It’s funny. Toronto is a huge, bustling metropolis. It’s among the most multicultural cities in the world. It’s got a low crime rate and a vibrant nightlife. What’s the problem?
Well, there are tax benefits to staying in America. More broadly, moving countries just feels different than moving cities. You can’t blame American players for wanting to stay in America. On the other hand, it can be an unfortunate reality of life for the Raptors.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: RJ Barrett, New York Knicks & Toronto Raptors Updates
Just look at what happened with Kawhi Leonard. He led the Raptors to an NBA title. Typically, that will inspire a player to stay on a team. Instead, Leonard bolted for his native Los Angeles. Should the Raptors acquire Barrett by virtue of the fact that he’s likely to stay?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
No. The Raptors can’t acquire a player simply because he’s Canadian. That would be asinine. It’s a variable, but they have to make other considerations.
Luckily, there’s more to consider here. Barrett’s NBA career so far has been a mixed bag. He’s flashed potential, but he’s been inconsistent. Still, he’s looked like a Swiss army knife of a player at times. Barrett does a lot of things well, even if he’s lacking an elite skill. That sounds like a great player to put next to Scottie Barnes long-term.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: RJ Barrett, New York Knicks & Toronto Raptors Updates
This would be a bold choice for Toronto. If they’re rebuilding, they may prefer to hang onto their draft capital. If they’re not, they may prefer Trent Jr. to Barrett. On the other hand, if they want to take a risk, this could work. If Barrett hits his ceiling, they’ll win this deal by a landslide. Should the Knicks risk losing it?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
Isn’t it possible that Barrett has struggled in New York because the Knicks have typically had win-now aspirations? With Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle running the show, the Knicks don’t need Barrett to do much outside of space the floor and defend. That isn’t his game.
It is Trent Jr.’s. He doesn’t have Barrett’s upside, but he is a much more reliable floor spacer and a much more disruptive defender. He’ll make the Knicks a better team next year. Meanwhile, they may be able to find some time for Young in their rotation as well.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: RJ Barrett, New York Knicks & Toronto Raptors Updates
Still, Barrett should have the most trade value of anyone in this deal. He’s got the most upside. That’s why the Knicks are also netting an unprotected first-rounder here. In time, that could help them compete for the NBA championship – whatever you prefer to call it.
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