After a 14-5 start to the 2025-26 season, the Raptors are struggling as of late. The team is 1-6 in their last seven games. At 15-11, Toronto is fifth in the Eastern Conference.
Starting SF RJ Barrett has missed nine consecutive games for the Raptors due to a knee sprain. On December 9, it was reported that Barrett would miss at least another week after receiving a knee injection. Toronto’s medical team released an update on Monday, December 15. They announced that RJ Barrett will begin “return-to-play activities” this week for the Raptors.
RJ Barrett is on the verge of returning for the Raptors
RJ Barrett is scheduled to begin return-to-play activities this week. pic.twitter.com/rIS9Lj7l9b
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) December 15, 2025
The Raptors have lost six of the last nine games that RJ Barrett has missed. He’s currently out of the lineup due to a right knee sprain. Last week, Barrett received a “platelet-rich plasma injection.” Toronto announced that RJ Barrett is progressing in his recovery. On Monday, the Raptors’ medical team had a positive update for RJ Barrett. They announced the 25-year-old will begin “return-to-play activities” this week. A massive update for the team.
In his 17 starts this season, RJ Barrett is averaging 19.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. He has scored 20+ points in 10 of his 17 games with the Raptors. When RJ Barrett is on the court, the Raptors are 12-5. In the nine games he’s missed, they are 3-6. Barrett will not be available Monday night vs. the Miami Heat.
The Toronto Raptors say RJ Barrett, diagnosed with a right knee sprain, continues to progress after receiving a platelet-rich plasma injection. He is scheduled to begin return to play activities this week.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) December 15, 2025
While RJ Barrett has played well for the Raptors when healthy, he is a major trade candidate. Barrett is on the books for $27.7 million in 2025-26 and $29.4 million in 2026-27. His salary could easily be moved in a trade. NBA insiders noted that RJ Barrett is unlikely to sign an extension with the Raptors. The team already has long-term deals signed with Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley.
At his best, RJ Barrett is a legitimate scoring option for the Raptors. His 19.4 points per game are third on the team this season behind Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram. However, he is not far off from Ingram’s 21.5 points per game. If RJ Barrett were traded to the right team, he could be the team’s second option. Similar to his role with the Knicks when Julius Randle led the team in scoring.
