Raptors Seeing Real Returns from Knicks Trade as Quickley, Barrett Continue to Evolve
When the Raptors pulled the trigger on that midseason trade with the Knicks, bringing in Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett, the hope was that both young guards could take the next step in Toronto. Fast forward to now, and that bet is starting to pay off.
Head coach Darko Rajaković isn’t just seeing improvement-he’s watching two players grow into cornerstone pieces. For Quickley, it’s been about turning up the intensity on the defensive end.
“Immanuel improved his defense on the ball dramatically. He’s one of the best defensive players that we have now on the ball,” Rajaković said.
“Also very disruptive with his hands.”
Quickley has always had the speed and motor, but now he’s pairing that with sharper reads and active hands, becoming a real problem for opposing guards. He’s not just staying in front of his man-he’s dictating the action, which is exactly what this Raptors defense has needed.
As for Barrett, it’s been a shift in approach that’s made the difference. Rajaković pointed to smarter shot selection and better off-ball movement.
“RJ’s shot selection is a little bit different. He’s getting much more to the rim, he’s doing catch-and-shoot threes, he’s scoring more off cuts.”
That’s the kind of evolution that can stretch a defense and make life easier for everyone else on the floor.
Barrett is currently sidelined with a knee sprain, but the team is optimistic. He hasn’t returned to full on-court work yet, but the knee is improving, and the Raptors are listing him as day-to-day.
Even without him, Toronto managed to edge out the Trail Blazers in a tight one on Tuesday night. It wasn’t pretty, but it was the kind of gritty win that speaks to the team’s growing identity-a mix of young talent, defensive pressure, and just enough polish to close things out.
Michael Porter Jr. Shines in Return, Credits Coach Jordi Fernández for Offensive Boost
After missing two games with back tightness, Michael Porter Jr. came back like a man on a mission-and he didn’t waste any time making his presence felt.
Thirty-five points. Seven rebounds.
Four assists. Two steals.
All in a win over Charlotte, and arguably one of his most complete performances of the season.
Porter has found a rhythm in Brooklyn, and a big part of that is the system head coach Jordi Fernández has built around him. “Well, I think Jordi is a genius of a coach,” Porter said after the game.
“Teams are face-guarding me and trying not to let me catch the ball, and the different creative ways Jordi has our team running plays to help me get touches is really next level. He’s making it so easy for me to play my game.”
That’s high praise-and it’s backed up by the results. Porter’s ability to score at all three levels has always been there, but under Fernández, he’s getting cleaner looks and more consistent opportunities. Whether it’s off screens, in transition, or through designed sets, the Nets are leaning into what Porter does best-and he’s responding with some of the most efficient basketball of his career.
Brooklyn is asking a lot from Porter in his first season with the team, but he’s answering the call. The numbers are up, the confidence is flowing, and if this trajectory holds, he could be a real difference-maker as the season rolls on.
Karl-Anthony Towns Wants to Stay in New York: “It Means More Than the Money”
Karl-Anthony Towns isn’t dancing around the question-he wants to be a Knick for the long haul.
“Hell yeah, hell yeah. I want to stay here,” Towns said.
“It means more than the money. To be home, see my family, play for these fans.
I would like it to continue.”
That’s the kind of statement that resonates, especially in a city like New York where loyalty and grit still matter. Towns hasn’t inked an extension yet-the Knicks and his camp didn’t make progress before the season-but with two more windows to negotiate before his player option in 2027, there’s still plenty of time to get something done.
And by all accounts, the relationship between Towns and the front office is in a good place. “Me, Leon Rose and Gersson Rosas and everyone, we’re great,” he said.
“I’ll go have lunch with them right now. We’re good.”
That kind of openness is rare in today’s NBA, and it could lay the groundwork for a long-term partnership. Towns has been vocal about how much it means to play close to home, and his fit in New York-both on the court and in the locker room-has been strong.
The Knicks came up short in a tight one against Boston on Tuesday night, but with Towns locked in emotionally and physically, there’s reason to believe this team is still building toward something bigger.