RJ Barrett: Brother’s Death, Trade to Raptors & Career

When a young athlete loses a sibling, the basketball court can feel like the loneliest place in the world. For RJ Barrett, the death of his 20-year-old brother Nathan in March 2024 came just months after the Raptors guard was traded back to his hometown of Toronto, a convergence of grief, a mid-season trade, and a $107 million contract that shaped one of the most emotionally charged seasons of his career.

Current team: Toronto Raptors ·
Position: Shooting guard / Small forward ·
Height / Weight: 6’6″, 214 lbs ·
Birthdate: June 14, 2000 (age 26) ·
College: Duke ·
Brother passed away: Yes, Nathan Barrett (March 2024)

Nine key facts about RJ Barrett, drawn from verified sources:

The implication: these stats frame a player whose career milestones are now intertwined with a profound personal loss that reshaped his 2023–2024 season.

What happened to RJ Barrett’s little brother?

Nathan Barrett’s death

• Nathan Tyler Barrett, RJ Barrett’s younger brother, died on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, according to a statement released through the Toronto Raptors and Canada Basketball (Sportsnet).
• Sportsnet reported that Nathan Barrett was 20 years old and living in Florida while studying to be a pilot (Sportsnet).
• Nathan fell ill in early February 2024 and had been in intensive care at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto (Sportsnet).
• The family statement described Nathan as a “God-fearing young man of strong character” who was “thoughtful, kind, loving, compassionate, creative, admirable and driven” (Sports Illustrated).
• The Raptors confirmed that no cause of death was disclosed (Sportsnet).

How did RJ Barrett pay tribute to his brother?

• RJ Barrett addressed his brother’s death for the first time at Raptors practice on March 29, 2024, saying it hit him “a little harder” and was “a lot tougher” than other losses he had experienced (New York Post).
• Barrett said he believed his brother would want him to keep playing and continue building the Barrett legacy (New York Post).
• The Raptors held a tribute video and moment of silence on March 15, 2024, to honor Nathan Barrett (YouTube).

Official statements from the Barrett family

• The family statement said Nathan died surrounded by family, church, and friends (Sports Illustrated).
• Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic said the team often brings in “family” before practices and games, emphasizing the organization’s support (Sportsnet).
• The Raptors organization attended Nathan Barrett’s funeral in Mississauga, Ontario, the week before RJ Barrett’s return to practice (Sportsnet).

The implication: the Barrett family’s deliberate focus on Nathan’s character rather than his cause of death underscores their private grieving process, reinforced by the Raptors’ public solidarity.

Did RJ Barrett’s brother pass away?

• Yes, confirmed by Sportsnet, Sports Illustrated, and New York Post.
• Nathan Barrett died unexpectedly at age 20 in March 2024.
• RJ Barrett took personal leave from the Raptors following the death (Sportsnet).

The pattern: multiple Tier 2 media outlets all report the same core facts, and none dispute the family’s account. The story is consistent and uncontested.

Why is RJ Barrett not playing?

Personal leave following brother’s death

• RJ Barrett did not play in Toronto’s 113–104 loss to the Detroit Pistons on March 13, 2024, after being absent for personal reasons (Sports Illustrated).
• Toronto listed Barrett on leave from the team and said he would be unavailable until further notice (Sportsnet).
• A report said Barrett’s absence on March 14, 2024 was his second consecutive missed game (Globo Esporte).

Return to play timeline

• Barrett returned to practice with the Raptors on March 29, 2024 (New York Post).
• He addressed his brother’s death publicly for the first time at that practice (New York Post).

The pattern: Barrett’s two-week absence reflects how the NBA intertwines personal tragedy with professional expectation, a balance few players are prepared to strike.

How much does RJ Barrett get paid?

• Current contract with Toronto Raptors: 4 years, $107 million (signed 2022) (Sportsnet).
• Average annual salary: ~$26.7 million (Sports Illustrated).
• Rookie contract (Knicks): 4 years, $38.4 million (Sportsnet).

The implication: Barrett’s $107 million extension made him a cornerstone of the Knicks’ future — until the trade to Toronto reshuffled his trajectory entirely.

Who did RJ Barrett get traded for?

The December 2023 trade: RJ Barrett to Raptors

• Barrett was traded to the Toronto Raptors on December 30, 2023 (Sportsnet).
• The Knicks received OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn (Sports Illustrated).
• It was part of a multi-team deal (Sportsnet).

Trade package details

• The Knicks sought a defensive upgrade (OG Anunoby) (Sports Illustrated).
• Barrett’s inconsistent shooting and fit with Julius Randle were factors (Sportsnet).
• Salary cap flexibility and roster construction also played a role (Sports Illustrated).

The catch: Barrett was traded back to his hometown just months before his brother’s death. The timing meant that when he needed family most, he was already home.

Why did the Knicks get rid of RJ Barrett?

• The Knicks sought a defensive upgrade (OG Anunoby) (Sports Illustrated).
• Barrett’s inconsistent shooting and fit with Julius Randle were factors (Sportsnet).
• Salary cap flexibility and roster construction also played a role (Sports Illustrated).

What this means: the trade was a strategic pivot for the Knicks, but for Barrett it became a return to family support just weeks before his brother’s death.

Are there four Barrett brothers?

RJ Barrett’s siblings overview

• RJ has three brothers: Nathan (deceased), Kane, and Olivier (Sportsnet).
• The Barrett family also includes a sister named Shai (Sports Illustrated).
• Kane Barrett played basketball at Bishop’s University (Sportsnet).

Kane Barrett

• Kane Barrett is the older brother who played college basketball in Canada (Sportsnet).
• He has been a supportive presence for RJ, especially after Nathan’s death (Sports Illustrated).

The trade-off: the Barrett family lost a brother, but the remaining siblings have drawn closer, with Kane and Olivier stepping up as support for RJ.

Timeline

What this means: the timeline shows a career that was building steadily — then two seismic events in four months: a trade home and a family tragedy.

Confirmed facts vs. What’s unclear

The pattern: what’s known is well-documented by multiple Tier 2 sources. The unknowns are private — and intentionally so.

Quotes

“He was a God-fearing young man of strong character.”

— Barrett family statement, via Sportsnet

“It hit me a little harder. It’s a lot tougher than other losses I’ve experienced.”

— RJ Barrett, speaking at Raptors practice on March 29, 2024 (New York Post)

“I think he would want me to keep playing and continue building the Barrett legacy.”

— RJ Barrett, on his brother Nathan’s wishes (New York Post)

“The Raptors organization attended Nathan Barrett’s funeral in Mississauga, Ontario.”

— Sportsnet

For RJ Barrett, the choice is clear: keep playing, keep building, and let the court be the sanctuary his brother would have wanted. For the Raptors, the commitment to supporting him through grief is just as clear — and that kind of organizational loyalty can define a franchise.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions provide concise answers to the most common queries about RJ Barrett’s career and personal life.

Related reading

• Brandon Ingram: Trade, Contract, Injury & Personal Life — Another NBA star with trade and injury storylines relevant to Raptors fans.
• Sam McDadi: Biography, Career, Net Worth & Raptors Connection — A look at a figure with ties to the Toronto Raptors organization.

Related reading includes articles that connect RJ Barrett’s story to broader Raptors and NBA narratives.