QUEBEC CITY - RJ Barrett's expiring contract has been a hot topic for Toronto Raptors observers, but the veteran wing doesn't sound fazed by the pressure and intrigue of a contract year.
"A lot of times, I think players get too upset about it," Barrett told reporters on the Raptors' first day of training camp Tuesday. "They've still got to pay me a lot of money this year, anyway, so I've got to be thankful for that. I have a good agent. I just let him do his thing. Whatever happens, happens."
Barrett will earn approximately $29.6 million in the final season of a four-year extension he originally signed with the New York Knicks. Barrett, who was traded to his hometown Raptors as part of the OG Anunoby trade during the 2023-24 campaign, was also extension-eligible last October.
The seven-year veteran averaged 19.3 points on career-high efficiency last season, finishing as the second-leading scorer on Toronto's first playoff team in four years. Barrett then averaged 24 points, seven rebounds, and four assists during the Raptors' first-round series loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
"The playoffs are the biggest stage, so I was happy to be able to show and prove who I already know that I am," Barrett said Monday at the team's media day. "In terms of the extension and all that stuff, I don't control any of that. I control my effort, what I do, how I train, how I come in and try to help the team. I'm just going to continue to control the things that I can control."
Barrett's offensive versatility could be a key component as the Raptors set out to contend with two-time Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard back in the fold while his defensive shortcomings should be better masked on a team featuring Leonard, All-Defensive star Scottie Barnes, and sophomore forward Collin Murray-Boyles. However, Barrett's large expiring contract could also make him an important trade chip.
"At the end of the day, whether you get a contract or not, just keep being you," Barrett said Tuesday. "Keep playing. If it's not one place, it's (another) place with somebody else. You're always auditioning every time you step on the floor, so always put your best foot forward.
"I just come out, and I play hard. I just got this tattoo that says, 'If God allows it,' so I'm not tripping, man," Barrett said of his positive perspective. "I do what I can, and like I said, I've got a good agent. I'm not worried about it."
However, the Toronto-area native admitted his preference remains playing for the Raptors.
"I'm still trying to be here," Barrett added. "At the end of the day, this is my spot. Whatever happens in my career, here or somewhere else, nothing else will compare to being here and playing here."
The Raptors have roughly $178 million committed to Leonard, Barnes, Murray-Boyles, Immanuel Quickley, Jakob Poeltl, Allen Graves, and Ja'Kobe Walter in 2027-28, before factoring in potential new deals for Barrett or 2027 restricted free agent Jamal Shead, among others. Next year's luxury-tax threshold is projected to come in around $213 million, with the first apron projected around $222 million and the second apron at $236 million.
Joseph Casciaro is theScore's lead NBA reporter.
