RJ Barrett on Reaction to Donovan Mitchell Trade to Cavs: 'S--t, I Got a Pay Day'

With his Toronto Raptors set to visit the New York Knicks on Saturday, RJ Barrett reflected on his time with the NBA team that drafted him in 2019 and traded him to Toronto this season.

Part of that time included mentioning him in trade negotiations for Donovan Mitchell, but the Utah Jazz instead traded the star guard to the Cleveland Cavaliers ahead of the 2022-23 campaign. New York responded by announcing a four-year, $107 million extension for Barrett.

"What do you think I was thinking? S–t, I got a pay day," Barrett said, per Stefan Bondy of the New York Post. "That's what I was thinking. I was happy."

Barrett's time with the Knicks ended this season when they traded him, Immanuel Quickley and a second-round draft pick to the Raptors for OG Anunoby, Malachi Flynn and Precious Achiuwa.

He has responded well in Toronto and is averaging 20.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game while shooting 56.9 percent from the field and 43.2 percent from deep in nine contests. He figures to take on even more responsibilities for the Raptors after they traded Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers.

New York likely isn't complaining either, as it is 7-2 in Anunoby's first nine games.

His defense and ability to play off the ball makes him a better fit with Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle on the Knicks, while Barrett can take on a bigger role as a primary playmaker with the Raptors.

"I thought we were a three-headed monster (with Randle and Brunson) for a little bit," Barrett said. "And then obviously as time goes along, they made the trade and it worked out for them. So I'm happy for them."

He also made it clear there are no hard feelings and he appreciates the support he received in New York.

"I love the fans," he said. "I don't know what they're going to do. But I love the fans. I appreciate them rooting for me. I appreciate them getting on me. Everything was all love in New York. I really from the bottom of my heart truly enjoyed being there."

Unfortunately for Barrett, he might have to watch the Knicks in the playoffs along with those fans.

His Raptors are 16-25 and in 12th place in the Eastern Conference. If he can't help them turn things around, especially without Siakam, there may not be a postseason in his immediate future.