RJ Barrett Throws Shade At The New York Knicks While Praising This Toronto Raptors Team

Two years ago, RJ Barrett was traded by the New York Knicks to the Toronto Raptors, and ultimately, it appears that it's a deal that worked out for both sides, with the Knicks landing OG Anunoby in the process. For the most part, it's been a mutually beneficial deal, with neither side throwing shade to this point, but during Raptors media day, it appears as though that changed.

When discussing the Raptors' potential in 2025–26, Barrett was full of praise for his team and their egoless squad. Then, following that, he appeared to take a major shot at the Knicks.

“We don’t have egos over here. Everybody wants to win…I’ve been on teams where the ball doesn’t move, then nothing happens after that. Nobody cares/every man for themselves.”

While he never named the team, the Knicks did struggle with ball movement during Barrett's time, and clearly, he's decided now is the time to bring it up. However, he's not faultless in this situation, as the Knicks stood behind him through immense struggles, with some of the struggles around ball movement being on the young Toronto star.

During his time in New York, Barrett averaged 18 points on 42% shooting from the field, and since arriving in Toronto, his role has expanded, and as a result, so has his production. Ultimately, though, his start came in New York, and he learned a lot there, so while it's surprising to see him seemingly take a shot at the Knicks, it may not be the last we've heard of this situation.