RJ Barrett, the Duke alum and Toronto native, has made his intentions crystal clear as he approaches a pivotal contract year. The 2026-27 season will mark the final year of his current deal, and Barrett isn't shy about where he wants to spend the rest of his career.

Speaking during an exit interview after the Raptors' first-round playoff exit—a series that featured Barrett's incredible game-tying three-pointer to force a Game 7—the sharpshooter laid his cards on the table. "I want to be here for the rest of my career. I don't ever want to leave," Barrett said, expressing his deep connection to his hometown team.

Since being drafted third overall in 2019, Barrett has carved out a solid NBA career. He spent four and a half seasons with the New York Knicks before being traded to the Raptors, where he's played the last two and a half seasons. Now, with free agency looming, all eyes will be on whether Toronto locks him down with an extension this offseason.

For a player who's already shown he can deliver in clutch moments—like that do-or-die three-pointer—Barrett's future in Toronto seems bright. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Raptors make the move to keep their hometown hero in red and white for the long haul.