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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 07: RJ Barrett #9 of the Toronto Raptors goes to the basket while guarded by Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets in the second half during their game at Spectrum Center on January 07, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
The Toronto Raptors have surprised a lot of NBA pundits so far this season. Right now, they sit fourth in the Eastern Conference standings. Brandon Ingram remaining healthy has had a big reason to do with that, as he is their best player.
R.J. Barrett has not been able to be healthy over the last few games. He has missed the last seven games. This year, he’s only played in 23 games, which is roughly half of the games Toronto has played. His unavailability is starting to become an issue.
With that being the case, the Raptors look like they are willing to part ways with him if a team comes to them with the right asking price.
GettyToronto Raptors forward R.J. Barrett dunks the ball. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
Toronto Raptors Reportedly Willing to Trade R.J. Barrett
According to Josh Lewenberg of TSN Sports, the Raptors would be open to moving Barrett at the trade deadline. He isn’t the only one they are willing to trade, either. Toronto has an open mind about Immanuel Quickley and Jakob Poeltl, as well.
TSN can confirm that Toronto appears willing to part with some combination of Immanuel Quickley, Jakob Poeltl, and RJ Barrett, or at least that’s the impression that rival teams have gleaned from exploratory discussions,” Lewenberg wrote.
Poeltl, like Barrett, has struggled to stay on the court. He has played just once in the last 19 games, which is not an anomaly. He hasn’t played more than 57 games since he was brought to Toronto. It’s clear that the new regime in Toronto is focused on guys who can stay healthy.
Barrett has yet to play more than 58 games for the Raptors since being traded from New York. His stats are down across the board this season, mainly because of his lack of availability. He hasn’t been able to get into a rhythm because of the games he’s missed.
GettyToronto Raptors forward R.J. Barrett dribbles the ball. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The Toronto Raptors Could be Active at the Trade Deadline
Toronto has remade its team in the last few years. The Raptors decided to trade Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby in the last few years. Yet, they are now a top-four seed in the East. Adding Ingram last year was a surprise, which shows the Raptors like being active at the trade deadline.
There has still only been one trade in the NBA this season, which was the Trae Young trade. That is unusual. There is a sense that things could heat up when the deadline approaches in a couple of weeks, but the Raptors will be buyers if they are active at all.
With Bobby Webster having his first season in charge of the roster, he could decide to put his stamp on the organization by making moves at the deadline to improve their chances of winning playoff games this season. It’s unclear how aggressive or conservative he is going to be as the GM and lead decision-maker.