RJ Barrett Signs Extension with Knicks
Monday night RJ Barrett and the New York Knicks agreed on a contract extension. The extension was first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and then confirmed by Barrett’s agent Bill…
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 08: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks in action against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on April 08, 2022 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Monday night RJ Barrett and the New York Knicks agreed on a contract extension. The extension was first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and then confirmed by Barrett’s agent Bill Duffy.
Barrett was in line for a rookie extension before possibly entering as a restricted free agent next offseason. Now he and the Knicks are agreeing upon a four-year rookie extension that can go up to $120 million.
This deal will more than likely impact the discussion around trading Donovan Mitchell to the Knicks. The extension is going to raise the value of his contract to the average of his extension and his rookie deal. This will be costly for the Jazz if they want him in a multi-player trade in both short-and-long term.
The Barrett extension talks started to reach the final stages when the Jazz and Knicks could not get a trade done. The Knicks gave the Jazz a Monday deadline to get the trade done. The possible trade of Mitchell-to-New York still remains. It will become harder once Barrett signs his extension because of the poison pill restriction in such a trade.
(The poison pill is when a team extends a player’s rookie scale contract but tries to trade that player before the extension kicks in.)
Barrett is entering his fourth season with the Knicks. In 2019 he was the No. 3 overall pick. He has increased his scoring numbers the last two season. His rookie season he averaged 14.3 points per game, 2020-21 he averaged 17.6 ppg and last season he averaged 20 ppg.
The Knicks getting Mitchell would be an upgrade to their offense for sure but the defensive side is where fans should be worry. Mitchell is an undersized two guard and Brunson is small as well. If the trade goes through there will be major adjustments for coach Thibs to make.
