So, the New York Knicks just hoisted the NBA championship trophy, right? Incredible stuff. But forget the confetti for a second, because RJ Barrett just dropped a dose of pure, unadulterated “salty” truth about it all. The man, who started his career with the Knicks as the No. 3 overall pick in 2019, is happy for his old squad, sure, saying he’s “happy they won it” and even called his friends to say congrats. But let’s be real, his real feelings are way more complicated after his Toronto Raptors got bounced in the first round.
“Salty” Doesn’t Even Begin To Cover It
Barrett didn’t mince words when talking to CBC Sports. “At first, definitely feel a little salty in terms of we lost, the Raptors lost in the first round, so that hurt,” he said. Ouch. You can almost feel the sting, can’t you? His Raptors lost a brutal seven-game series to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and then he watched his former team go all the way. Talk about a gut punch! It’s not all bad blood, though. He mentioned having friends still on the Knicks, and even a former Knicks player, Trey Jemison lll, signed a two-way deal with the Raptors this offseason. Plus, the Toronto mayor even gave Barrett a shout-out. Still, that “salty” feeling? That’s the real talk right there.
During his time with New York, Barrett put up solid numbers, averaging 18.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists over 297 games from 2019-20 until the trade in the 2023-24 campaign. But the Knicks never got past the second round with him. It was a good run, but clearly, the front office had bigger plans, making moves for a roster overhaul that even brought in Karl-Anthony Towns. You gotta wonder if he sees that championship trophy and thinks about what could have been.
The Trade That Shook The League (And Won A Title)
And let’s be absolutely clear: that trade involving Barrett and OG Anunoby was the whole ballgame for the Knicks’ title run. New York landed Anunoby from the Raptors, and the dude was a game-changer. Anunoby was arguably their top defender through the regular season and into the playoffs. But he didn’t just play D, oh no. He played hero in Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, hitting the winning tip-in at the buzzer! That’s the kind of clutch moment you build a championship around. For Barrett and the Raptors, losing in the first round was a “step in the right direction” after missing the playoffs for three straight seasons. A step? When your old team just climbed the mountain? That’s gotta sting even more.
So, what’s next for the Raptors? Well, they’re looking to be a real threat in the Eastern Conference next season, especially with Kawhi Leonard joining the squad. Could we see a playoff series between the Raptors and the newly crowned champion Knicks? Now that would be must-watch TV. Barrett already has that extra “motivating factor,” and you know he’d be ready to turn that salt into some serious fire on the court. Get ready, because if these two teams clash, it’s gonna be personal.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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