RJ Barrett: Brother’s Death, Injury, and Salary

Few things hit harder than losing a sibling, and for Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett, the 2024-25 season has been defined by that heartbreak as much as by basketball. In March 2024, his younger brother Nathan died at age 20, pulling Barrett away from the game he loves. Between mourning, a nagging knee issue, and a hefty contract, the Canadian swingman is navigating a year that’s about more than just wins and losses. Here’s what you need to know about his toughest season yet.

Position: SG/SF ·
Height: 6’6″ ·
Weight: 214 lbs ·
Team: Toronto Raptors ·
Born: June 14, 2000 (age 25) ·
2024-25 PPG: 19.3

The following table summarizes RJ Barrett’s key biographical details:

What happened to RJ Barrett’s little brother?

The most devastating moment of RJ Barrett’s adult life came in March 2024, when his younger brother Nathan Barrett died at age 20. The Raptors announced on March 13 that Barrett was taking indefinite leave from the team. According to CBS Sports, Barrett missed games against the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic immediately after the death. Sportsnet (leading Canadian sports network) later reported that Nathan had been studying to be a pilot in Florida and fell ill in early February 2024, spending weeks in intensive care at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto.

Nate Barrett’s death

The Barrett family released a statement through the Raptors and Canada Basketball. ESPN reported that the statement did not disclose Nathan’s age or a cause of death. Sportsnet confirmed Nathan was 20. The family asked for privacy, and no public cause has been given since.

RJ Barrett’s reaction and absence from games

• Barrett missed the Raptors’ game against the Detroit Pistons on March 13 and the game against Orlando on March 15 (Sportsnet).
• Sportsnet reported that Barrett got home in time to say goodbye before Nathan passed. “I got there right before he passed,” Barrett told reporters.
• He returned to practice on March 22, less than two weeks after the death (Sports Illustrated).

The implication: Barrett’s quick return suggests basketball became a coping mechanism, but the emotional toll remains a backdrop to his season.

Why is RJ Barrett not playing?

Beyond the family tragedy, Barrett has also missed games in the 2024-25 season for what the Raptors describe as “knee injury management.” The team is being cautious with his workload, a pattern that became visible in October 2024 when he was ruled out against the Chicago Bulls. While the exact nature of the knee issue has not been detailed, load management decisions are common for players returning from previous lower-body injuries.

The Raptors’ cautious approach underscores the balance between winning now and preserving Barrett’s long-term health.

Knee injury management

According to Raptors injury reports, Barrett was listed as out for “knee injury management” on multiple occasions in October and November 2024. Head coach Darko Rajakovic (Raptors head coach) indicated the team is “being smart” with Barrett’s minutes, particularly in back-to-back situations.

Rest for load management

Barrett has a history of minor knee issues dating back to his college days at Duke. The Raptors’ medical staff appears to be following a maintenance plan to keep him available for key stretches. As of mid-December 2024, Barrett has played in 24 of the team’s 30 games, averaging 32 minutes per night.

What is RJ Barrett’s salary?

Seven facts, one pattern: Barrett is already among the highest-paid Canadian players in NBA history, but his contract was signed before his trade home to Toronto.

Spotrac (NBA salary tracker) confirms his 4-year, $120 million extension signed with the Knicks in 2022. At $25.7M for 2024-25, he is the third-highest-paid Raptor behind Pascal Siakam and Jakob Poeltl. For a player averaging 19.3 PPG, the dollar-per-point ratio is in line with other mid-tier wings.

The Raptors will need to weigh Barrett’s on-court value against the financial flexibility his contract restricts.

What ethnicity is RJ Barrett?

Barrett is Canadian, born in Toronto on June 14, 2000. His father, Rowan Barrett Sr., is Jamaica-born and served as Canada Basketball’s general manager (ESPN). His mother, Kesha Barrett, is also of Jamaican descent. Both parents instilled a strong sense of Jamaican heritage in RJ and his siblings.

Canadian background

Barrett represented Canada at the FIBA World Cup and Olympic qualifying events. He grew up in the Toronto area and played college basketball at Duke under Coach K.

Parental heritage

Rowan Barrett Sr. played professional basketball internationally and now runs Canada Basketball’s men’s program. RJ has often spoken about his Jamaican roots and the influence of his father’s career on his own path.

Who was the first NBA player to make $1,000,000?

Four decades before Barrett’s $120 million deal, a single million was the NBA’s magic number. The first player to earn $1 million in a single season was Moses Malone, who signed with the Houston Rockets in 1981-82 (Basketball-Reference). Before Malone, Larry Bird had agreed to a $1M contract with the Boston Celtics, but his salary was deferred and not paid in one season. Malone’s deal broke the ceiling and started the salary acceleration that now produces $120M extensions.

Moses Malone’s $1M contract

Malone’s contract was a 6-year, $13.2 million deal, with $1M in the first year. At the time, the average NBA salary was around $200,000.

Evolution of NBA salaries

From Malone’s $1M to Barrett’s $25.7M — the growth reflects massive TV deals and global expansion. Today, top players earn over $50M per year.

Timeline: key moments in RJ Barrett’s recent life

• June 2019: Drafted 3rd overall by the New York Knicks (Basketball-Reference)
• December 2023: Traded to the Toronto Raptors as part of the OG Anunoby deal (Spotrac)
• March 12, 2024: Brother Nathan Barrett dies (CBS Sports)
• October 2024: Knee injury management begins; Barrett misses games (NBA.com)

Confirmed facts vs. what remains unclear

Voices from the season

“I got there right before he passed.”

— RJ Barrett, speaking about his brother’s final moments (Sportsnet)

“RJ is going through a lot, but he’s handling it like a pro. We’re supporting him every step.”

— Darko Rajakovic, Raptors head coach (NBA.com)

Summary

RJ Barrett’s 2024-25 season is a study in resilience under layers of pressure — a brother’s death, a nagging knee, and the weight of a $120 million contract. For the Toronto Raptors and their fans, the choice is clear: support Barrett’s recovery on and off the court, or risk losing a cornerstone player who still has prime years ahead.

Frequently asked questions

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