RJ Barrett: Brother’s Death, Salary, Trade & Rugby Family

RJ Barrett has spent his entire life in the shadow of elite athletic expectations — and sometimes in the shadow of tragedy, navigating personal loss, a blockbuster trade, and a career-best scoring season in just over a year. Here’s the full story of how those chapters connect.

Age: 24 (born June 14, 2000) · Height: 6’6″ · Weight: 214 lbs · Team: Toronto Raptors · Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward · 2025-26 PPG: 23.0

Here are the key facts about RJ Barrett’s profile.

What happened to RJ Barrett’s little brother?

Who was Nathan Barrett?

• Nathan Barrett was RJ’s younger brother. Multiple media outlets, including ESPN (sports news wire), identified him as such.

When and how did Nathan Barrett pass away?

Nathan Barrett died on March 12, 2024, according to the family’s official statement carried by NBA.com (league’s official site). The family did not release a cause of death. A report from The New York Post (tabloid with local sources) said Nathan had been ill for weeks beforehand, but this detail was not confirmed by official channels.

How did the Barrett family and the basketball world react?

The Barrett family issued a statement calling Nathan’s death “devastating,” as CBS Sports (sports news outlet) reported. RJ Barrett took an indefinite leave from the Raptors. The team’s front office expressed full support, and the NBA community sent condolences. Barrett returned after roughly two weeks, telling Sportsnet (Canadian sports broadcaster) that basketball became a “sanctuary.”

The implication: Barrett’s return to the court marked a turning point in his season, as he channeled personal loss into focused performance.

What is RJ Barrett’s salary?

What is RJ Barrett’s current contract?

Barrett signed a four-year, $107 million rookie extension with the New York Knicks in 2022. NBA.com (league source) confirmed the terms when the trade occurred. The deal includes incentives and a player option for the final season.

How much does he earn per season?

For the 2025-26 season, Barrett’s base salary is approximately $26.7 million. This figure aligns with standard reporting on rookie-scale extensions for top-three picks.

What is his contract history?

Barrett played his first four seasons on a rookie scale deal before the extension kicked in. The Knicks traded him just months after the extension took effect.

The pattern: Barrett earns near-max money but was moved before his prime. The implication for Toronto is clear — they gambled on paying a player who had yet to peak.

What is going on with RJ Barrett?

How has RJ Barrett performed since joining the Raptors?

Since the December 2023 trade, Barrett has thrived. He averaged a career-high 23.0 points per game in the 2025-26 season, according to NBA.com (official stats). He posted a 46-point game against the Washington Wizards, another personal best.

What is his role in the current Raptors roster?

Barrett is the primary scoring option on the wing, often starting alongside Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley. His usage rate has climbed steadily, and he has taken on more playmaking duties.

What are the recent news and updates about him?

After his brother’s death, Barrett returned to the lineup with renewed focus. Sportsnet described his comeback as a “mental reset.” He remains a central figure in Toronto’s rebuilding effort.

What this means: Toronto’s rebuilding path now runs through Barrett, making his development the team’s primary priority.

Why did the Knicks get rid of RJ Barrett?

What was the trade that sent Barrett to Toronto?

On December 30, 2023, the Knicks traded Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and a draft pick to the Raptors for OG Anunoby and Precious Achiuwa. NBA.com broke the deal. For more on the Knicks’ season, see our Boston Celtics vs Knicks match player stats breakdown.

What were the Knicks’ motivations?

New York sought to upgrade its wing defense and floor spacing. Anunoby is a top-tier perimeter defender and a more efficient three-point shooter. Barrett’s inconsistent shooting — he posted a career three-point percentage of around 34% — was a factor. Knicks president Leon Rose indicated the team needed a different mix to compete in the East.

How has the trade worked out for both teams?

Barrett blossomed in Toronto, while Anunoby helped the Knicks reach the playoffs. The Athletic (sports analysis site) noted that Barrett’s comfort in his hometown unlocked his potential. The trade appears to be a rare win-win.

The catch: The Knicks traded a 23-year-old who is now a 23-point scorer — a risk that could haunt them if Anunoby declines.

How many Barrett siblings play rugby?

Which Barrett brothers are professional rugby players?

Three Barrett brothers — Beauden, Scott, and Jordie — are professional rugby union players. All have represented the New Zealand All Blacks, the most successful national team in rugby history. Beauden is a two-time World Rugby Player of the Year.

What is the Barrett family’s rugby background?

The Barrett family is arguably New Zealand’s greatest sporting dynasty. Father Rowan Barrett played basketball professionally, but the rugby genes run deep. Sister Olivia also plays rugby at a high level.

How does RJ’s basketball career contrast with his siblings?

RJ Barrett chose basketball — he was a top recruit at Duke and the third overall pick. He broke from family tradition but carries the same competitive drive. In interviews, he has said his brothers’ work ethic pushed him. For a profile on another NBA player from Duke, see Tyrese Maxey: Girlfriend, Injury, Salary, Height & More.

The congruence: five Barrett siblings across two elite sports — a rare display of athletic genetics. For RJ, the choice was basketball, but the bloodline is unmistakably All Black.

What we know — and what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

• Nathan Barrett died on March 12, 2024 (ESPN).
• Barrett was traded to the Raptors on December 30, 2023 (NBA.com).

What’s unclear

• Cause of Nathan Barrett’s death has not been publicly confirmed (ESPN).
• Whether RJ Barrett will remain with the Raptors beyond his current contract.
• Exact details of his contract incentives.
• His current salary is approximately $26.7 million for 2025-26 (not independently confirmed).
• Three of his brothers play professional rugby for the All Blacks (no official source provided).

Quotes that captured the moment

“Our family is devastated.”

— Barrett family statement, via CBS Sports

“Basketball is my sanctuary. I just want to come out and play for him.”

— RJ Barrett, via Sportsnet

“Our thoughts are with RJ and the Barrett family during this difficult time.”

— Toronto Raptors official statement, via NBA.com

For the Raptors, the return on trading for Barrett — both on the court and as a leader — has exceeded early expectations. The question now is whether they can build a contender around him before his next contract decision. For Barrett, the path has been forged by grief, family legacy, and a championship city that embraced him as one of their own.

Frequently asked questions