Former New York Knicks player and current Toronto Raptors star, RJ Barrett opened up about his feelings on the Knicks winning a championship this year in a recent interview with CBC Sports.
Barrett revealed that his first reaction to his former team's title run wasn't the most positive.
"For me at first definitely feel a little salty, a little bit, in terms of, you know, we lost, the Raptors. We lost in the first round, so that hurt," he explained.
However, with time the Canadian player has accepted the idea and doesn't harbor any negative feelings towards the Knicks.
"If anybody else were to win it, I'm happy they won it. You know, I still have friends over there. I've called and checked on the guys, said congrats. One of the guys from the team is actually on the Raptors now. So, things are cool," Barrett elaborated.
"The mayor gave myself and Quick a shoutout. So, we'll always have ties there. Like I said, I'm very happy for them. Just hoping to bring some of that success over here."
RJ Barrett's Knicks and Raptors career
RJ Barrett started his career with the New York Knicks when he was drafted by them third overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. The guard spent four and a half season with the Knicks before being traded to the Raptors.
The Raptors acquired him alongside Immanuel Quickley in exchange for OG Anunoby and others in December of 2023.
Barrett has been a consistent offensive threat, scoring around 20 points every season since his third year in the league.
Last season, he accumulated 19.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 57 games played for the Raptors.