Blue Devil Country

Reported NBA Trade Sends Duke Basketball Product Back Home

Former Duke basketball one-and-done RJ Barrett is heading to Toronto.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

It appears the New York Knicks (17-14 this season) no longer boast a Duke basketball talent on their roster. According to a report from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on Saturday afternoon, the franchise has agreed to trade Toronto native RJ Barrett, its No. 3 overall pick from the 2019 NBA Draft, to the Toronto Raptors (12-19).

New York is reportedly packaging the 23-year-old guard with Immanuel Quickley and a 2024 second-round pick to receive OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn.

RELATED: List of Every Blue Devil Currently in the NBA

At one point last season, the Knicks had three former Blue Devils on contract: Barrett, his 2018-19 Duke basketball teammate in forward Cam Reddish (now with the Los Angeles Lakers), and a 2021-22 one-and-done collegian in guard Trevor Keels (on a two-way contract as a rookie, now just in the G League).

RJ Barrett is averaging 18.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists through 26 outings for the 2023-24 Knicks.

As things look at the moment, he'll join a Toronto roster that includes another Blue Devil in 2017-18 Duke guard Gary Trent Jr., a former second-round draft pick averaging 11.1 points, 2.3 boards, and 1.6 dimes in his fourth season with the Raptors.

Toronto now becomes the sixth team currently employing at least two NBA Blue Devils.

The Raptors join that list alongside the Atlanta Hawks (Jalen Johnson, AJ Griffin), Brooklyn Nets (Harry Giles, Dariq Whitehead), New Orleans Pelicans (Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram), Orlando Magic (Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr.), and the lone franchise with three in the Dallas Mavericks (Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, Seth Curry).

Former Blue Devil Sharpshooter Drains First NBA Field Goal

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for more Duke basketball news.

Published
Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

Home/NBA Blue Devils