Few things test a professional athlete quite like losing a family member while nursing an injury. RJ Barrett, the Toronto Raptors forward, has spent the first months of 2025 navigating both a devastating personal loss and a string of health setbacks.
Team: Toronto Raptors ·
Position: Forward/Guard ·
2025 Return Status: Return-to-play activities
Quick snapshot
- Right knee sprain suffered against the Brooklyn Nets on November 23 (Sportsnet). (Sports Forecaster)
- Missed at least 15 games in 2025 tracking period (Sports Forecaster).
- Additional designations: personal, ankle, concussion, left shoulder (FOX Sports).
- Planned return-to-play activities after knee sprain (Sportsnet).
- Reported day-to-day on Nov 24, week-to-week by Dec 8 (Sports Forecaster).
- Exact cause of Nathan Barrett’s death not publicly confirmed.
- Specific nature of the right knee injury beyond sprain.
- Long-term contract outlook beyond current deal.
- Return vs Golden State Warriors date not independently confirmed.
Six injury-related events, one pattern: Barrett’s 2025 season has been fragmented by multiple ailments, a personal tragedy, and careful return protocols.
| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Rowan Alexander “RJ” Barrett Jr. | Content plan |
| Birthdate | June 14, 2000 | Content plan |
| Height | 6′6″ (1.98 m) | Content plan |
| Weight | 214 lb (97 kg) | Content plan |
| Position | Forward/Guard | Sportsnet |
| Team | Toronto Raptors | Sportsnet |
| NBA Draft | 2019, 3rd overall by New York Knicks | Content plan |
| 2022 Extension | 4 years, $107 million (rookie scale) | Content plan |
What happened to RJ Barrett’s little brother?
Who was Nathan Barrett?
- Nathan Barrett was RJ’s younger brother. Reports emerged in early 2025 that Nathan had passed away, though the cause has not been made public.
- The Toronto Raptors organization publicly acknowledged the loss and granted RJ a leave of absence to be with his family (Sportsnet).
When did Nathan Barrett pass away?
- News of the death surfaced in the first months of 2025. FOX Sports injury logs show a “personal” designation for Barrett on March 11, 2025, which aligns with the period following his brother’s death (FOX Sports).
How did RJ Barrett respond?
- Barrett took time away from the team to grieve. According to reports, he later returned to action and played against the Golden State Warriors in March 2025, signaling his gradual return to professional duties.
The pattern: personal tragedy and injury have intertwined to define Barrett’s 2025 season.
Why is RJ Barrett not playing?
What injury did RJ Barrett suffer?
- The primary injury that sidelined Barrett was a right knee sprain, which he sustained against the Brooklyn Nets on November 23, 2025 (Sportsnet).
- The sprain caused him to miss at least nine consecutive games at the time of the Sportsnet update, and eventually over 15 games in the 2025 tracking period (Sports Forecaster).
- He also received a platelet-rich plasma injection in the week before that report helped his recovery (Sportsnet).
- Beyond the knee, Barrett dealt with a left ankle injury (exited a game vs the Celtics, required further evaluation according to BasketNews), a concussion designation on February 4, 2025, and a left shoulder issue after a blowout win against the Orlando Magic (CBS Sports).
When did RJ Barrett return?
- Sportsnet reported on a timeline for return-to-play activities after the knee sprain, but an exact date was not given.
- According to FOX Sports, Barrett was listed as available for a regular-season finale after being ruled out for a previous Knicks game due to right knee soreness (CBS Sports).
- He also returned to face the Golden State Warriors in March 2025 after his leave of absence, marking his first game back following his brother’s death.
The catch: his return remains conditional on continued progress with no setbacks.
What is RJ Barrett’s salary?
What is RJ Barrett’s current contract?
- Barrett signed a four-year, $107 million rookie scale extension with the New York Knicks in 2022, which began in the 2023‑24 season. The deal was reported widely at the time.
How much does RJ Barrett earn per year?
- His annual salary for the extension years is approximately $26.75 million. Exact figures vary by cap adjustments, but the total guarantee is $107 million over four seasons.
The implication: the Raptors have significant financial commitment tied to his health.
What ethnicity is RJ Barrett?
What is RJ Barrett’s ethnic background?
- RJ Barrett is of Jamaican descent. His father, Rowan Barrett Sr., is a former Canadian basketball player of Jamaican heritage who played for Canada’s national team.
- Barrett was born in Mississauga, Ontario, and holds Canadian citizenship. He competes internationally for Canada.
What are RJ Barrett’s physical stats and position?
How tall is RJ Barrett?
- Listed at 6′6″ (1.98 m) and 214 lb (97 kg). His height and weight are typical for a wing/guard‑forward in the modern NBA.
How old is RJ Barrett?
- Born June 14, 2000, he is 25 years old as of mid‑2025.
What position does RJ Barrett play?
- Primarily a forward, but also plays as a shooting guard. The Raptors use him as a wing who can handle the ball and defend multiple positions.
Five physical dimensions, one pattern: Barrett’s size and versatility make him a natural fit for modern positionless basketball, though his injury‑plagued 2025 has limited his on‑court impact.
Confirmed facts
- Nathan Barrett died in early 2025. (Sportsnet)
- RJ Barrett missed games due to injury and personal leave. (Sportsnet)
- Right knee sprain sustained vs Nets on Nov 23. (Sportsnet)
- Multiple injury designations in 2025 (personal, ankle, concussion, shoulder). (FOX Sports)
- Barrett is a forward/guard playing for the Toronto Raptors. (Sportsnet)
What’s unclear
- Exact cause of Nathan Barrett’s death.
- Specific grade of the knee sprain.
- Barrett’s future contract beyond current extension.
- Whether the multiple injury designations are all resolved.
- Date of return to play after knee injury.
Barrett’s athleticism and positional versatility are exactly what the Raptors need, but his 2025 season shows how fragile availability can be when both body and mind are under strain. For Toronto, the priority is managing his return without risking a relapse.
“The Raptors have granted RJ Barrett a leave of absence to mourn the passing of his brother.” — Toronto Raptors official statement, via Sportsnet
“Right now it’s about getting RJ right – physically and mentally. We’re supporting him every step of the way.” — Coach Darko Rajaković, paraphrased by BasketNews
The implication for the Raptors: RJ Barrett’s ability to stay on the floor directly affects their wing rotation depth. If he can shake the injury bug and fully process his personal loss, he remains a core piece. If not, the front office faces a decision about his long‑term fit.
Related reading: RJ Barrett injury return · RJ Barrett 2025 Toronto Raptors status
For a deeper look at how the 2024-25 season has unfolded for Barrett beyond the box score, you can read a longer timeline of RJ Barretts personal struggles that details his brother’s death, injury timeline, and salary figures.
Frequently asked questions
What is RJ Barrett’s net worth?
Net worth estimates vary, but his $107 million extension and endorsement deals likely put his net worth in the $20–30 million range. Exact figures are not publicly audited.
How many points does RJ Barrett average per game?
His career scoring average is around 18 points per game. In the 2024‑25 season before the injury, he was averaging roughly 20 points per game for the Raptors.
Where did RJ Barrett go to college?
He played one season at Duke University (2018‑19) under coach Mike Krzyzewski before being drafted 3rd overall.
How long has RJ Barrett been in the NBA?
He entered the NBA in 2019, so he is in his seventh season (2025‑26).
Who are RJ Barrett’s parents?
His parents are Rowan Barrett Sr. (former Canadian basketball player) and Kesha Duhaney.
What number does RJ Barrett wear?
He wears number 9 for the Toronto Raptors.
Does RJ Barrett have any siblings?
Yes, he has a younger brother, Nathan, who passed away in 2025.
Rachel Bennett leads fact-checking, source verification and corrections at Coast Pulse.