The Toronto Raptors surrendered a double-digit advantage in Wednesday’s loss to San Antonio, managing just 17 points in the fourth quarter.
Toronto’s struggles in the half-court offense have been a key factor behind its 4-15 record against the NBA’s 10 best teams, according to Eric Koreen of The Athletic.
Koreen notes that RJ Barrett isn’t solely responsible for those offensive issues, though his recent play hasn’t helped.
Since returning from an ankle sprain, the 25-year-old has averaged 14.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists across 12 games while shooting .401/.308/.734, with his scoring and shooting efficiency falling well below his season averages.
Koreen suggests that if Toronto continues to struggle against elite opponents, using Barrett as a primary salary-matching piece in a potential offseason move could represent one of the team’s clearest paths toward improvement.
Barrett is set to earn $29.6MM in 2026/27, the final season of his current deal.
According to Koreen, rival teams showed little interest before the trade deadline in the long-term contracts of Immanuel Quickley or Jakob Poeltl.
The only other significant salary Toronto might consider moving is Brandon Ingram, though Koreen points out that Ingram earns more than Barrett, has helped ease the burden on Scottie Barnes, and holds a $41.9MM player option for the 2027/28 season.
Raptors Notes: Barrett, Ingram, Shead, Barnes, Dick, Battle https://t.co/rVzBzMZU79 pic.twitter.com/rd8xczQSQr
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 27, 2026
