Toronto native RJ Barrett grew up rooting for the Toronto Raptors, but the New York Knicks rookie had a rather surprising answer about Kawhi Leonard's departure.

Leonard led the Raptors to their first-ever NBA title this past 2018-19 season, but the three-time All-Star decided to leave Canada and move back to his hometown to join the Los Angeles Clippers.

While Leonard's decision dealt a huge blow to Toronto and its fans, Barrett said he doesn't care about Kawhi and the Raptors' current situation. This after admitting that he cheered for the team during their championship run.

“I'm in the NBA now, so I didn't care,” the 6-foot-7 wing told assembled media on Friday in response to a question asking about how he felt about Kawhi Leonard's decision to sign with the Western Conference's Los Angeles Clippers.

Article Continues Below
More New York Knicks News
Charlotte Hornets head coach James Borrego tries to calm down his team from the sideline during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Spectrum Center.
Knicks granted permission to interview ex-Hornets head coachBenedetto Vitale ·
Jamir Watkins Florida State next to New York Knicks logo. Madison Square Garden in the background, blue stripe at the bottom
Sources: Another Knicks 2025 NBA Draft target emergesKris Pursiainen ·
Arkansas Razorbacks Adou Thiero, William Wesley Knicks, Jonathan Pierre Belmont Bruins with Madison Square Garden in the background and a blue stripe underneath
Sources: 2 Knicks draft targets to keep an eye onKris Pursiainen ·
Leon Rose Knicks, Mark Tatum NBA, NBA Draft logo with orange background
Knicks rumors: Insider says he’d ‘bet’ on New York making NBA Draft-night dealKris Pursiainen ·
Minnesota Timberwolves assistant coach Micah Nori looks on in the second half against the Dallas Mavericks during game two of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center.
Knicks interview Timberwolves coach, but it’s not Chris FinchRexwell Villas ·
Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) looks on during the time out during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Barclays Center.
Former Nets star Kevin Durant responds to Knicks jeer by saying he’s ‘Net for life’Erik Slater ·

Leonard signed as a free agent with the Clippers, joining All-Star Paul George who was traded to LA by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

RJ is the son of Rowan Barrett, a former professional basketball player who now serves as the general manager of Canadian basketball. Barrett was glued to the TV during the 2019 NBA Finals, as he told the media he watched every game.

Barrett's time rooting for the Raptors appears to be over since he was selected with the third overall pick in the 2019 draft by the Knicks, who play Toronto four times a year in the Atlantic Division.

There's only so much you can bring with you to the NBA, and former team allegiances is not one of them.