Latest news with #RJBarrett
National Post
06-07-2025
- Sport
- National Post
Raptors mailbag: Trade Barrett or Agbaji and Ja'Kobe Walter's place in rotation
The somewhat new-look Toronto Raptors organization is heading to Las Vegas for Summer League complete with a loaded roster. For Part 2 of our July mailbag we got some questions about that group of prospects, more on Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster and RJ Barrett. Article content Article content Andres Del Campo @AndyDlief: 'The feeling I get from many members of the media is that RJ Barrett is viewed as expendable. Why do Raps always chase away good players who want to stay in Toronto?' Article content Article content RW: Barrett is mentioned as expendable mostly because of his contract and a busy situation on the wing. If you're referring to DeMar DeRozan and Pascal Siakam with the last part I have mixed thoughts. DeRozan, like Barrett (especially as a Raptor), is a rare scoring machine lacking a consistent three-point shot and a major liability defensively. I don't see Barrett as being as poor defensively as DeRozan, especially after he made strides this season, partly because of more dedication to that side of the game, but the advanced stats show he doesn't really drive winning. Toronto believes in advanced metrics and in winning players so even though Barrett is a great example for Canadian fans, does have many good qualities as a player and loves being here, they will have to explore the market for him to ease luxury tax and roster concerns down the line. Article content Chad Reeb @reeber93: 'Assuming RJ is no longer traded, how worried are you about spacing and defence with the starting group?' Article content Article content RW: I don't think Barrett will be moved until the New Year, at the earliest. More concerned with spacing than with defence as Jakob Poeltl and Scottie Barnes are elite defenders and I think Brandon Ingram is about average. Barrett and Immanuel Quickley are below average defensively, but both have their moments. Plus I could see Barrett being replaced by Ochai Agbaji pretty early in games (a big upgrade defensively and from three) allowing RJ to cook as the lead scorer on the bench (even though he'll start). Article content The spacing will be a bit rough, unless Barnes takes big steps forward as a three-point shooter. Poeltl is a total non-threat from out there, Barnes was terrible from three last season, Barrett, as mentioned, is inconsistent, while Quickley is elite and Ingram can be, but prefers to operate in the mid-range.
Toronto Sun
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Raptors mailbag: Trade Barrett or Agbaji and Ja'Kobe Walter's place in rotation
Plenty of fans want to know how Toronto can ease its logjam on the wing. Get the latest from Ryan Wolstat straight to your inbox Raptors guard RJ Barrett, left, guard Jamal Shead, centre, and guard Ja'Kobe Walter celebrate a win against the Orlando Magic. Photo by Phelan M. Ebenhack / The Associated Press The somewhat new-look Toronto Raptors organization is heading to Las Vegas for Summer League complete with a loaded roster. For Part 2 of our July mailbag we got some questions about that group of prospects, more on Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster and RJ Barrett. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Here's Part 1 if you missed it. Andres Del Campo @AndyDlief: 'The feeling I get from many members of the media is that RJ Barrett is viewed as expendable. Why do Raps always chase away good players who want to stay in Toronto?' RW: Barrett is mentioned as expendable mostly because of his contract and a busy situation on the wing. If you're referring to DeMar DeRozan and Pascal Siakam with the last part I have mixed thoughts. DeRozan, like Barrett (especially as a Raptor), is a rare scoring machine lacking a consistent three-point shot and a major liability defensively. I don't see Barrett as being as poor defensively as DeRozan, especially after he made strides this season, partly because of more dedication to that side of the game, but the advanced stats show he doesn't really drive winning. Toronto believes in advanced metrics and in winning players so even though Barrett is a great example for Canadian fans, does have many good qualities as a player and loves being here, they will have to explore the market for him to ease luxury tax and roster concerns down the line. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Chad Reeb @reeber93: 'Assuming RJ is no longer traded, how worried are you about spacing and defence with the starting group?' RW: I don't think Barrett will be moved until the New Year, at the earliest. More concerned with spacing than with defence as Jakob Poeltl and Scottie Barnes are elite defenders and I think Brandon Ingram is about average. Barrett and Immanuel Quickley are below average defensively, but both have their moments. Plus I could see Barrett being replaced by Ochai Agbaji pretty early in games (a big upgrade defensively and from three) allowing RJ to cook as the lead scorer on the bench (even though he'll start). The spacing will be a bit rough, unless Barnes takes big steps forward as a three-point shooter. Poeltl is a total non-threat from out there, Barnes was terrible from three last season, Barrett, as mentioned, is inconsistent, while Quickley is elite and Ingram can be, but prefers to operate in the mid-range. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Just Win @ 'Do you see the Raptors trying to consolidate/clear the logjam at the 2/3/4 via trade (Scottie/BI/RJ/Dick/Walter/Agbaji/CMB/Mogbo/Battle/Martin/Lawson/Rhoden) and what targets (positionally)/value can we expect from any moves?' RW: Rhoden has already been cut, the Canadian Lawson, unfortunately, might not be far behind (though I like the scoring punch he provides). I do expect at least one of Agbaji or Barrett to be traded for a big man or point guard at some point down the line (but that's more for luxury tax reasons than roster balance). Testing the market on Gradey Dick isn't the worst idea to me, but they still believe he is very young and has not showed anything close to what he's capable of. Collin Murray-Boyles, Barnes and Ingram bring some versatility in being able to play up to three different positions. Not really sure how Mogbo fits in. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Tim Amor @TimAAmor: 'Differences, in your opinion, between Bobby and Masai … and your thoughts on the Raptors going forward to Bobby and Dan moving up a rung in the ladder (if that's how it all pans out … which seems likely to me.) Basically … how will Bobby be different?' RW: Covered this a bit in Part 1 (basically, synergy and input from all were mainstays under Ujiri and don't see that changing). Maybe they won't be as fixated on landing a 'big fish' one day the way Ujiri was, but that's just a guess. Yes, Bobby apprenticed under Masai, but he also previously learned from a lot of other people in the NBA and he'll mix all of that with his own thoughts, which have been developed along the way. How different will it all be? Way too early to tell. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. KiTs Korner @RealKiTsKorner: 'Ja'Kobe is low on the depth chart now with the new additions. Where is he going to fit in going forward?' RW: I wouldn't make that assumption (though I'm a bit biased as I think Walter is going to be a quality player). Management loves Walter and was thrilled he slipped to them last year. He had a strong finish to the year and if he dominates in Vegas, which could happen, he'd have good momentum heading into camp (unlike last year when he picked up his first of two shoulder injuries). Unless Dick has a big camp, there's no reason Walter won't be ahead of him. By the end of last year, he looked like a better NBA player than Dick (with defence being the most obvious difference between the two). Barrett's spent 32% of his career minutes at shooting guard, Ingram 26% (though he was primarily utilized at SG in two of his last three years in New Orleans) and Walter already might be ahead of both defensively too. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. If Walter and Dick both look much-improved maybe another wing gets moved earlier than expected? Dan: 'Ja'Kobe Walter seems too good for the Summer League. Do you foresee him playing only a couple of games? What do you expect this season from Ulrich Chomche and who will be Summer League Raptors MVP? RW: Yes. Don't think Walter, Jamal Shead, Battle, Lawson or Mogbo get more than two games in. Expect Chomche to get another full season with Raptors 905 and maybe a few games with the Raptors in March or April if all goes well. Give me Alijah Martin for best-performing Raptor in Vegas. Not sure Murray-Boyles's play style will stand out in that circus. Nick @RaptorEnjoyer13: 'The way i read it, we will be paying Jak 28.16M AAV after this season. Thats a bit more than the 26M i read at first. Am i reading it correctly?' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. RW: Affirmative. The Raptors got Poeltl to pick up his $19.5 million option for this season to help out their cap situation and it will keep rising in each of the final three years after that to a more fair value for a centre of his calibre (with the last year not being fully guaranteed). The 6IX @kenchu38: 'When you know you are not going to be contending, what's the point of getting into the aprons?' RW: There is no point (sorry to Phoenix Suns fans) I do see some logic in being in the luxury tax for one year though if you have to be as long as you don't stay in it and get hit with repeater penalties. For example, if you have to make a bad deal to get rid of a contract that will cost you good assets to do so, better to just pay the tax for a year (as long as you're not into the first or second apron). This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Mike @mikesports1992: 'Why are Raptor 'reporters' never the first ones to report on major Raptor news/stories? We all just respond to whatever Shams posts these days.' RW: Have been over this one plenty of times over the years. It's mostly about agencies wanting the most exposure. Once upon a time, it made sense to give local beat writers or columnists most of the scoops, as newspapers were the main information source. It also applied at times to broadcasters and even prominent bloggers as things evolved. Now it's all about national American exposure so clients or potential clients see certain agent's names in reports so they mostly cut out local media. Teams do a bit of this too, but the Raptors generally don't leak to anyone. It's a what can you do for me ecosystem and we are sadly no longer top of the food chain. That doesn't mean we can't get scoops. We still do, but the game has changed. @WolstatSun Toronto & GTA Toronto Maple Leafs Sunshine Girls World World
National Post
29-06-2025
- Business
- National Post
Raptors will be looking for bargains in free agency this year
When Masai Ujiri was hired as Toronto Raptors general manager in 2013 the team had won just 57 combined games over the previous two seasons, missed the playoffs in five straight and the leading scorer was talented but flawed wing Rudy Gay. Article content There are some parallels with Bobby Webster's first season in charge, which begins now, with NBA free agency opening at 6 p.m. ET Monday. Article content Article content Article content These Raptors have won 55 games in two years under Darko Rajakovic, and have been out of the post-season mix four of the last five years, with a leading scorer in RJ Barrett who is talented but not without flaws of his own Article content Ujiri's first Raptors group had Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan and Jonas Valanciunas on board already, along with an enigma in Andrea Bargnani and some talented veterans. Article content This one arguably has more talent on hand, with Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, Jakob Poeltl, Barrett and Immanuel Quickley the most recognizable names. Article content Ujiri and his staff, which included a young Bobby Webster and Dan Tolzman, now the general manager and assistant general manager of the club and chief decision makers in the wake of Ujiri's departure, didn't waste much time in making changes. Article content Bargnani was moved within two months of Ujiri's arrival for a package that ended up yielding Poeltl, drafted ninth overall three years later. It's still one of the best deals in franchise history. Article content Article content Five months later, Gay was traded to Sacramento in a stunner that unexpectedly started the 'We the North' era, with Lowry and DeRozan taking off when surrounded by a different mix. Article content Article content Article content Don't expect Webster, Tolzman and the rest of Toronto's front office to make major moves like those ones anytime soon, though Barrett and/or Ochai Agbaji could be traded at some point mainly to ease future salary cap concerns. Toronto has only paid the luxury tax twice in 30 years and though Rogers, Inc. should not cheap out here (MLSE president Keith Pelley interestingly mentioned the team was at the luxury tax three times in last week's media conference on Ujiri's departure), we'll believe they'll pay the tax when they actually do (the team would have the full season to get under if they chose to go that route by moving Barrett, Agbaji, or other players).
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Raptors will be looking for bargains in free agency this year
When Masai Ujiri was hired as Toronto Raptors general manager in 2013 the team had won just 57 combined games over the previous two seasons, missed the playoffs in five straight and the leading scorer was talented but flawed wing Rudy Gay. There are some parallels with Bobby Webster's first season in charge, which begins now, with NBA free agency opening at 6 p.m. ET Monday. These Raptors have won 55 games in two years under Darko Rajakovic, and have been out of the post-season mix four of the last five years, with a leading scorer in RJ Barrett who is talented but not without flaws of his own Ujiri's first Raptors group had Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan and Jonas Valanciunas on board already, along with an enigma in Andrea Bargnani and some talented veterans. This one arguably has more talent on hand, with Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, Jakob Poeltl, Barrett and Immanuel Quickley the most recognizable names. Ujiri and his staff, which included a young Bobby Webster and Dan Tolzman, now the general manager and assistant general manager of the club and chief decision makers in the wake of Ujiri's departure, didn't waste much time in making changes. Bargnani was moved within two months of Ujiri's arrival for a package that ended up yielding Poeltl, drafted ninth overall three years later. It's still one of the best deals in franchise history. Five months later, Gay was traded to Sacramento in a stunner that unexpectedly started the 'We the North' era, with Lowry and DeRozan taking off when surrounded by a different mix. Don't expect Webster, Tolzman and the rest of Toronto's front office to make major moves like those ones anytime soon, though Barrett and/or Ochai Agbaji could be traded at some point mainly to ease future salary cap concerns. Toronto has only paid the luxury tax twice in 30 years and though Rogers, Inc. should not cheap out here (MLSE president Keith Pelley interestingly mentioned the team was at the luxury tax three times in last week's media conference on Ujiri's departure), we'll believe they'll pay the tax when they actually do (the team would have the full season to get under if they chose to go that route by moving Barrett, Agbaji, or other players). Additionally, the Raptors at some point need to create some runway for intriguing sophomore wing Ja'Kobe Walter and Gradey Dick, who still has untapped potential despite an underwhelming first two NBA seasons. Toronto is not in a position to add a significant free agent though because the first apron (a more punitive part of the luxury tax) is not an area the Raptors should approach. The team badly needs a backup centre behind Poeltl, but they'll have to find some luck in the bargain bin the way Ujiri did back in 2015 when he inked Bismack Biyombo on a steal of a deal. Moving on from Masai: Getting to know new Raptors bosses Bobby Webster and Dan Tolzman SIMMONS: Firing Masai Ujiri is a huge mistake by MLSE Toronto won't be in the mix for the likes of Myles Turner, Naz Reid (reportedly re-signing with Minnesota), Brook Lopez, or Clint Capela (a one-time draft target of the team), but maybe Orlando's Mo Wagner, Boston's Luke Kornet, Indiana's Thomas Bryant or San Antonio's Charles Bassey would be positional and financial fits? It's not an interesting year for free agency league-wide, with few superstars available and those up for grabs already deciding to stay put (though the cryptic comments Sunday from LeBron James's camp have spiced things up. Could the best player of this generation be on the move yet again?) @WolstatSun
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Collin Murray-Boyles' Previous Raptors Comments Surface During NBA Draft
Collin Murray-Boyles' Previous Raptors Comments Surface During NBA Draft originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Toronto Raptors have missed the NBA playoffs three straight years. Having won just a single postseason round since being crowned champions in 2019, Toronto has been in a rebuild that may finally be pivoting toward playoff contention this upcoming season. Advertisement Making a trade deadline move last season to acquire one-time All-Star forward Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans, and then subsequently extending him, the Raptors signified their intent to compete next season. This is one of the reasons why their No. 9 overall pick was so heavily involved in trade rumors leading up to the 2025 NBA Draft. Toronto Raptors Vice-Chairman and Team President Masai Ujiri.© John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images Not dealing that pick, Toronto selected Collin Murray-Boyles out of South Carolina. Minutes after the selection, his pre-draft comments on the Raptors surfaced. 'They have a lot of good scorers, they have Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, the list goes on,' he said one day before joining the Raptors (via Libaan Osman of the Toronto Star). 'They have guys. I feel like I can be somebody that can come in and be a handyman, do that dirty work.' Advertisement While these were positive remarks, many took notice of his reaction to the pick, seemingly offering an expletive after it was made. It is worth noting that while this moment is going viral, it is not confirmed that Murray-Boyles said what many are interpreting. Additionally, even if he did, it may have not have been out of frustration. Regardless of how Murray-Boyles feels, he is going to the Raptors who hope to make a playoff appearance for the first time since 2022. Related: Raptors-Celtics Trade Report Surfaces Before NBA Draft Related: Giannis Antetokounmpo Turns Heads With NBA Offseason Decision This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
