RJ Barrett: Career, Salary, Family, and Latest News

There aren’t many NBA players who’ve dealt with a family tragedy, a trade to their hometown team, and a nine-figure contract before turning 26 — but RJ Barrett has lived all three. This article connects those threads: the loss of his younger brother Nathan, the trade that brought him home to Toronto, the financial details of his extension, and what a recent ankle injury means going forward.

Age: 26 (born June 14, 2000) ·
Height: 6’6″ ·
Weight: 214 lbs ·
Position: Forward ·
Team: Toronto Raptors ·
College: Duke

Six key facts capture the essentials of Barrett’s career and current situation.

What happened to RJ Barrett’s little brother?

RJ Barrett’s younger brother, Nathan Barrett, died in March 2024 at age 17. The family announced his passing through a statement, as reported by NBA.com league official news. Barrett then missed games against Detroit and Orlando to grieve, per ESPN NBA beat coverage.

How did Nathan Barrett die?

• The cause of death was described as natural or undisclosed; the family has not released further details. The Athletic reported that the Barretts asked for privacy during the mourning period.

The implication: Nathan’s death remains a private matter, and no official cause has ever been made public. That silence is intentional, and it’s respected by the media coverage.

When did Nathan Barrett pass away?

• The family confirmed Nathan’s death on Tuesday of the week ending March 13, 2024, according to the NBA announcement.

How did RJ Barrett honor his brother?

• Barrett posted a tribute on Instagram on what would have been Nathan’s 18th birthday. The post featured a photo of them together, with a message of love and remembrance.

The pattern: Barrett chose public acknowledgment over silence, turning a private grief into a moment fans could share. That choice has drawn empathy from teammates and commentators alike.

What is RJ Barrett’s salary?

Barrett signed a 4-year, $107 million contract extension with the New York Knicks in 2022, which began in the 2023-24 season. According to Sports Illustrated NBA salary specialist, he earned $27.7 million in 2024-25 and is scheduled to earn $29.6 million in 2026-27. SalarySwish lists the 2026-27 figure at $29,616,071 (SalarySwish salary database).

What is RJ Barrett’s current contract?

• His extension runs through 2026-27 with a player option for 2027-28 (the 2022 extension was for four years starting in 2023-24).

How much did RJ Barrett earn with the Knicks?

• During his rookie contract he made approximately $10.9 million in the final year before the extension kicked in, per an ESPN cap breakdown (ESPN via YouTube salary cap analysis).

The catch: Barrett’s contract is a poison-pill asset for trade purposes — the acquiring team would treat his incoming salary as the extension amount ($26.2 million trade figure) rather than the rookie-scale figure. That complicates any potential deal.

Why is RJ Barrett not playing?

Barrett exited a game against the Boston Celtics in March 2025 with an ankle sprain. According to Sports Illustrated Raptors injury updates, he missed subsequent games and was listed as day-to-day. A 2025 YouTube analysis noted that his absence reduced his trade value because teams cannot evaluate an injured player (YouTube analysis trade market commentary).

What injury does RJ Barrett have?

• An ankle sprain, later described as a mild sprain. No long-term structural damage was reported.

Is RJ Barrett out for the season?

• He missed several games but was expected to return within weeks. No season-ending announcement was made.

What this means: Barrett’s ankle tweak is a routine NBA setback, but its timing — during a stretch when trade rumors were heating up — gave it extra weight. Teams are cautious about acquiring a player who can’t suit up immediately.

Why did the Knicks get rid of RJ Barrett?

In December 2023, the Knicks traded Barrett to the Toronto Raptors along with Immanuel Quickley and a second-round pick to acquire OG Anunoby. The Athletic reported that the Knicks wanted to upgrade their roster for a playoff push (The Athletic NBA trade analyst).

When was RJ Barrett traded?

• December 30, 2023.

What did the Knicks get in return?

• OG Anunoby, who brought elite perimeter defense and a more flexible contract for New York.

The trade-off: Toronto swapped a defensive ace for a hometown scorer. Barrett’s offensive fit next to Scottie Barnes was a bet the Raptors made; the Knicks, meanwhile, got a defensive stopper they had coveted for years.

Is RJ Barrett’s parents Jamaican?

Both of Barrett’s parents are Jamaican. His father, Rowan Barrett, played professional basketball in Europe and later became the general manager of Canada’s senior men’s national team. His mother, Kesha Barrett, is also from Jamaica. Barrett has spoken about his Jamaican heritage in interviews and has visited the island multiple times.

Where are RJ Barrett’s parents from?

• Both parents are Jamaican nationals. Rowan Barrett was born in Jamaica and played for the Jamaican national team before representing Canada.

What is RJ Barrett’s ethnic background?

• He is of full Jamaican descent, though he was born in Toronto and grew up in Mississauga, Ontario.

The implication: Barrett’s dual identity — Jamaican roots, Canadian upbringing — makes him a unique ambassador for basketball in both countries. His father’s role as Canada Basketball’s GM adds another layer of national pride.

Timeline

• June 14, 2000 – Born in Toronto, Canada
• 2017–2019 – College basketball at Duke
• June 2019 – Drafted 3rd overall by New York Knicks
• March 2024 – Younger brother Nathan passes away at 17
• December 2023 – Traded to Toronto Raptors
• March 2025 – Exits game vs. Celtics with ankle injury

Clarity check

What people are saying

“We ask that you please respect our privacy as we navigate this challenging time.”

— Statement from the Barrett family, March 2024 as published by NBA.com

“RJ is a legitimate starter at the 2 on a fair contract. But the financial realities of this roster make him a clear trade candidate.”

— Sports Illustrated Raptors analysis

“Toronto viewed Barrett as a central piece — someone who fits the timeline of Scottie Barnes and brings a scoring punch the team lacked after losing Fred VanVleet.”

— The Athletic trade breakdown

For Toronto’s front office, the choice is clear: commit to Barrett as a long-term starter alongside Barnes and Quickley, or move his contract before it becomes an obstacle to re-signing other core pieces. Either way, the next 12 months will define his tenure as a Raptor.

For a comprehensive look at his career and personal life, check out this detailed profile of RJ Barrett.

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