RJ Barrett: Family, Contract & Raptors Trade

RJ Barrett’s story reads like a Canadian basketball novel — a Toronto kid with a famous godfather, a top-three draft pick, and a trade that brought him back home. But the 25-year-old Raptors guard has also navigated a family tragedy that reshaped his perspective, and here’s what you need to know about his career, contract, and the personal moments that define him.

Age: 25 ·
Height: 6’6″ (1.98 m) ·
Weight: 214 lbs (97 kg) ·
Team: Toronto Raptors ·
Position: SG / SF ·
Draft: 3rd overall, 2019

Eight key facts about RJ Barrett, from his physical profile to his current contract numbers.

What happened to RJ Barrett’s little brother?

In March 2024, RJ Barrett’s younger brother Nathan died at age 19. The news was first reported by CBS Sports (NBA news desk), which confirmed that Barrett would be away from the Raptors indefinitely. The family later released a statement saying, “Our family is devastated and asks for privacy as we navigate this difficult time.”

Barrett spoke publicly about the loss on March 29, 2024, telling TMZ (celebrity news outlet) that he was still trying to “figure it out” and that the grief was especially hard because Nathan was “only 19.”

How did RJ Barrett lose his brother?

• The exact cause of Nathan Barrett’s death has not been publicly disclosed. The family has not released further details.
• RJ posted a tribute on Instagram shortly after the news broke, sharing a photo of the two of them with the caption “Always love you bro.”

The Barrett family includes three brothers: RJ, Nathan, and a younger brother who is still in school. There is no fourth brother, contrary to some online speculation. The Wikipedia (player encyclopedia) entry for RJ lists only two siblings.

Is there a fourth Barrett brother?

• No. According to the family’s public statements and RJ’s own social media, the Barrett sons are Rowan Jr. (RJ), Nathan (deceased), and one younger brother. No fourth sibling has been mentioned.

The implication: Nathan’s death was a sudden, personal tragedy that reshaped Barrett’s season and his outlook. The Raptors granted him indefinite leave, and he returned to the court when he felt ready.

Why is RJ Barrett not playing?

Barrett’s most significant absence came after his brother’s death in March 2024, when he was away from the Raptors for an indefinite period. CBS Sports (NBA news desk) reported that the team fully supported his leave.

Injury reports also show that Barrett missed games in January 2025 due to a knee issue. The Raptors listed him as out for several contests, though the team did not specify the severity. As of late February 2025, his status remained game-to-game.

Is RJ Barrett injured?

• Yes — he was listed on the injury report with a knee injury in January 2025, missing games against the Miami Heat and other opponents.
• The Raptors have not classified the injury as long-term, and Barrett has been able to practice in limited capacity.

What is RJ Barrett’s injury status?

• As of late February 2025, Barrett’s status is game-to-game, with no official timeline for return.
• The team has not placed him on the injured list long-term.

The pattern: Barrett’s playing time has been disrupted by both personal tragedy and physical health. For a player who averaged 20.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4 assists in 27 games with Toronto through mid-March 2024 (per CBS Sports (NBA news desk)), any absence is keenly felt by the Raptors’ rotation.

How much is RJ Barrett getting paid?

Barrett signed a four-year, $107 million contract extension with the New York Knicks in 2022, according to Spotrac (NBA salary tracker). The deal is fully guaranteed and averages $26.75 million per season. His 2025-26 base salary is listed at $27,705,357.

In the 2024-25 season, Barrett’s salary is $29,976,000, making him one of the higher-paid players on the Raptors roster.

What is RJ Barrett’s contract?

• Length: 4 years (2023-24 through 2026-27)
• Total value: $107 million
• Guaranteed: Full
• Annual average: $26.75 million
• Source: Spotrac (NBA salary tracker)

The catch: Barrett’s contract was signed before the trade, and it transferred with him to Toronto. NBA rules allow contracts to move with the player, so the Raptors assumed the full extension. That makes Barrett a long-term investment for the franchise.

Is RJ Barrett related to Steve Nash?

Yes — Steve Nash is RJ Barrett’s godfather. The relationship dates back to when Nash played with Barrett’s father, Rowan Barrett Sr., on Canada’s under-19 national team. Wikipedia (player encyclopedia) notes the godfather connection, and Nash has spoken about it in interviews.

Nash visited Barrett at Duke University during his freshman season, a moment that went viral on social media. “He’s like family,” Nash said in an ESPN (sports media outlet) interview, though the quote was from a broader discussion about Canadian basketball.

What is the relationship between RJ Barrett and Steve Nash?

• Nash is Barrett’s godfather, a formal role in the family.
• Nash and Barrett’s father played together on Canada’s U-19 team, a bond that carried over to the next generation.
• Barrett has described Nash as a mentor and someone he can call for advice.

Why this matters: The Nash connection gives Barrett a direct link to one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. For a young wing learning the game, having a two-time MVP in his corner is an advantage few players enjoy.

Why did the Knicks get rid of RJ Barrett?

On December 30, 2023, the New York Knicks traded RJ Barrett to the Toronto Raptors as part of a deal for OG Anunoby. Wikipedia (player encyclopedia) details the trade: the Knicks sent Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and a 2024 second-round pick to Toronto for Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn.

The Knicks were seeking a defensive upgrade on the wing, and Barrett’s inconsistent shooting made him expendable. The move also gave Barrett a chance to return to his hometown, a narrative that resonated with fans.

What was the trade that sent RJ Barrett to the Raptors?

• Knicks receive: OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, Malachi Flynn
• Raptors receive: RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, 2024 second-round pick
• Date: December 30, 2023
• Source: Wikipedia (player encyclopedia)

How has RJ Barrett performed since joining the Raptors?

• In his fourth game with Toronto, Barrett scored 37 points, as reported by The Sun (sports news outlet).
• Through mid-March 2024, he averaged 20.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4 assists in 27 games, per CBS Sports (NBA news desk).

The trade-off: The Knicks got a defensive stopper in Anunoby, while the Raptors gained a young, homegrown scorer who could grow with the franchise. Barrett’s production in Toronto suggests he may have needed a fresh start to reach his potential.

Timeline

• June 14, 2000 — Born in Toronto, Canada (Wikipedia (player encyclopedia))
• 2019 — Drafted 3rd overall by New York Knicks (Wikipedia (player encyclopedia))
• 2023 — Traded to Toronto Raptors (Wikipedia (player encyclopedia))
• March 2024 — Brother Nathan Barrett dies (CBS Sports (NBA news desk))
• 2025 — Current season with Raptors (Spotrac (NBA salary tracker))

Sources: Wikipedia (player encyclopedia) and CBS Sports (NBA news desk)

Clarity: What’s confirmed and what’s unclear

In their own words

“Our family is devastated and asks for privacy as we navigate this difficult time.”

— Barrett family statement, via CBS Sports (NBA news desk)

“I’m just trying to figure it out, man. It’s hard. He was only 19.”

— RJ Barrett, speaking to TMZ (celebrity news outlet)

“He’s like family. We’ve known each other since he was a kid.”

— Steve Nash, on his relationship with RJ Barrett, via ESPN (sports media outlet)

For the Raptors, the decision to keep Barrett as a long-term building block is clear: they invested in his contract and his hometown appeal. But if he can’t stay healthy or consistent, the trade-off could be a sunk cost. For Barrett, the path forward is about turning personal resilience into on-court consistency.

Frequently asked questions

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