RJ Barrett grew up watching the Toronto Raptors. Now, he will have an opportunity to play alongside one of the most important players in franchise history.

After the Raptors officially completed their trade with the Los Angeles Clippers for Kawhi Leonard last week, Barrett explained how the blockbuster move has brought back memories of watching Leonard lead Toronto to the 2019 NBA championship.

Barrett spoke with CBC's Donnovan Bennett last Thursday about his reaction to becoming Leonard's teammate.

“I’ve been a Raptors fan my whole life,” Barrett said. “I was getting ready for the draft when the Raptors won the championship. When (Leonard) made the game-winner against Philly, I was jumping up and down. So from being a fan to now being able to play with him, that’s going to be so special.”

Leonard's game-winner against the Philadelphia 76ers remains one of the defining moments in Raptors history. His shot bounced around the rim before falling at the buzzer in Game 7 of the 2019 Eastern Conference semifinals, sending Toronto into the conference finals.

The Raptors eventually defeated the Milwaukee Bucks before beating the Golden State Warriors in six games in the NBA Finals. Leonard earned Finals MVP honors after helping Toronto capture the first championship in franchise history.

RJ Barrett goes from watching Kawhi Leonard to becoming his teammate

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Barrett's connection to that run came at a pivotal moment in his own basketball career. The Toronto native was preparing for the 2019 NBA Draft, where the New York Knicks selected him with the No. 3 overall pick.

He eventually returned home when the Knicks traded him to Toronto during the 2023-24 season.

Now, another major transaction has connected Barrett's childhood fandom with his NBA career.

Toronto reacquired Leonard from Los Angeles in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, a first-round pick swap and two second-round selections.

Leonard returns to Toronto seven years after leaving the franchise for the Clippers in free agency. For Barrett, the move means a player he celebrated as a Raptors fan will now share the floor with him as Toronto prepares for the 2026-27 season.

The transition from watching Leonard's championship run to becoming his teammate is one Barrett described simply: “special.”