Over the years, the Toronto Raptors have had a slew of Canadian players. But they’ve never had one with RJ Barrett’s star pedigree.

RJ Barrett has always been proud to be a Knick. But he also grew up supporting the Raptors and is really fond of Canadian basketball. He’s always talking about it. Sure, this is painful for him — but I’m sure if you told him he had to be traded, he’d be comfortable knowing it was to Toronto.

Barrett was born in Toronto and grew up in nearby Mississauga. While he hasn’t achieved the potential that made him the top recruit in his high school class and the No. 3 pick in the 2018 draft, Barrett is still just 23 years old. He averaged 18.2 points as the third option for the New York Knicks, playing alongside two ball-dominant players in Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle.

The young Canadian had one of his strongest games of the season against the Raptors in New York, going for 27 points in a 119-106 win.

Last year’s Raptors team had three Canadian players in Dalano Banton and Khem Birch. Chris Boucher, who is still with the team, grew up in Canada. They’ve also had Cory Joseph and Oshae Brissett – all nice players, but none that have threatened to get an All-Star berth, or even a regular spot in the starting lineup.

Barrett is an old-fashioned bucket-getter whose four-year, $107 million contract could be a huge bargain with the expected skyrocketing salary cap. He’s already a perfectly fine player, but it’s not ridiculous to imagine Barrett becoming an All-Star. His shooting could stand to improve, but his steadily-improving free-throw percentage – he’s over 83 percent this season – is a great sign for his shooting potential.

The Raptors are already Canada’s team. They’ve finally got a shot at a home-grown star for the Great White North.