The Toronto Raptors made a franchise altering trade when they acquired RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and a 2024 second-round draft pick (via Detroit) from the New York Knicks in exchange for O.G. Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn.
A move of this magnitude was long overdo for Toronto as they were in desperate need of a change.
Barrett and Quickley were introduced to Raptors media on Jan. 1, 2024.
Barrett says he’s hoping to unlock some new areas of his game with the Raptors per TSN’s Josh Lewenberg:
“I know who I am. I’ve shown who I am over the course of the years. Just trying to get better with the Raptors system and hopefully unlock some new areas of my game that I haven’t been able to show as much. I’m just excited to be here and be part of this.”
Barrett is also excited to play for the team who grew up cheering for:
“I grew up a Raptors fan all my life. So to come here and put the jersey on, it’s going to be great.”
Quickley is eager to get things started with the Raptors when asked about his initial reaction to the trade per Lewenberg:
“I thought it was a dream because I had just woke up. Toronto’s a great city. I’m glad to be here and excited to get started.”
Quickley also talked about his fit alongside Scottie Barnes:
“The type of talent he is makes it a lot easier for players like me to thrive on both sides of the ball. Playing with somebody that is 6-10, can pass, dribble, shoot, defend, that makes the game really easy.”
This was the first look at the two newest Raptors at practice per Lewenberg:
Didn’t take long for the vet, Garrett Temple, to take the newest Raptor, Immanuel Quickley, under his wing. pic.twitter.com/xXQzrQ6V9k
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) January 1, 2024
Barrett and Quickley playing vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Barrett and Quickley are available for Toronto tonight per Sportsnet’s Blake Murphy. The two will make their official Raptors debut against the Cavaliers.
This will mark a new era of Raptors basketball to begin 2024.
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