RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley ready to roll in Toronto: ‘I grew up a Raptors fan’

For RJ Barrett, Canada is home. So he says he’s just fine with the trade that sent him from the Knicks to the Raptors.

“It’s great. I’m really happy, really excited to be here,” Barrett told reporters, via Josh Lewenberg of TSN. “I’m thankful. I’m blessed … I grew up a Raptors fan all my life. So to come here and put the jersey on, it’s going to be great.”

Barrett was part of the deal that sent forwards OG Anunoby and Precious Achiuwa, and guard Malachi Flynn, to the Knicks. The Raptors also received guard Immanuel Quickley and a second-round pick.

Toronto needed a change and Barrett and Quickley should offer a positive one immediately.

“I thought it was a dream because I had just woke up,’ Quickley told reporters of the trade. “Toronto’s a great city. I’m glad to be here and excited to get started.”

Both Barrett and Quickley should be available for Monday night’s home game vs. the Cavaliers.

“Being traded but then to find out I’m coming home … I’m thankful, I’m blessed” — pic.twitter.com/jXc9kdlfR7

— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) January 1, 2024