The Toronto Raptors’ season came to an end following a Game 7 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers Sunday night, and with the playoffs now in the rear-view mirror, the focus shifts to the off-season.
And a lot of that focus is on swingman RJ Barrett, the hero of Game 6, whose game-winning 29-footer from the top of the three-point arc bounced over two metres high and back down through the hoop to stave off elimination.
The Mississauga, Ont. native is once again extension eligible this off-season, and if he doesn’t get a new contract this summer, will be going into the final year of a deal that pays him nearly $30 million in 2026-27. The Canadian said he would like to remain a part of his hometown squad.
“Who doesn’t want to play at home? Of course, I’m trying to stay here,” Barrett said. “I understand the 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 don’t want to leave. That’s out of my control; I did my part on the court this year and I will continue to do my part.”
The 25-year-old manufactured the biggest moment for the Raptors this postseason, nailing a bouncing game-winning three-pointer in overtime – on the same rim that Kawhi Leonard’s shot did seven years earlier – that sent a sellout crowd of 19,919 fans into a frenzy.
Per ESPN Research, Barrett became the second player in NBA history to hit a game-winning field goal in the final two seconds of overtime to help his team avoid elimination.
“I still haven’t really processed it,” said Barrett. “I don’t really think I personally understand the magnitude of that shot. I’m definitely going to watch it more now that the season is over.”
The Canadian was instrumental in Toronto’s playoff success, leading the team in points (24.1) and rebounds (7.0) while adding 4.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and shooting 47.7 per cent from the field and 38.6 per cent from distance. Barrett was also among the league leaders in fourth-quarter scoring.
Barrett’s successful playoffs came on the heels of one of the wing’s most efficient seasons, averaging 19.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while shooting 49.1 per cent from the field.
“I think it was my most efficient season,” said Barrett on where he grew most as a player this season. “Be more successful with less, find where I fit in on both sides of the basketball and do more in a different way.”
While Toronto’s season ended without them hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy, it doesn’t mean it can’t be considered a successful year.
After a 30-52 record last season, the Raptors improved by 16 wins and finished as the fifth seed, making the playoffs for the first time since 2022 and pushing a talented Cavaliers team to seven games.
“The goal is to win a championship,” said Barrett on what defines a successful season. “Where we were last year till now has been a huge jump. So, it’s successful in that, but also, because I think you see with the work that’s put in. The future’s very bright for us. It’s only the beginning.”
