New York Knicks and RJ Barrett

 

         

    Among many off-season news regarding the NBA, today's post will regard the New York Knicks ("Knicks") and RJ Barrett ("RJ"). RJ is a young talented player drafted out of Duke who was selected as the third pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. In RJ’s young career he has grown to become arguably the Knicks best and most consistent player. Every year RJ has continued to improve and work on his game. This is shown as RJ has improved his statistical points per game every season. RJ is currently averaging 20 points per game with 5.8 rebounds and 3 assists per game.

    With that said, the Knicks are currently rewarding RJ as both parties are currently in the process of finalizing a four-year contract extension worth up to $120 million. This said extension implies the Knicks are fully committed to RJ and what his talents could potentially bring in the future. As per ESPN, this deal would make him "the youngest $100M player in Knicks history at 22."

    This said extension came to the surprise of many as RJ Barrett was viewed as a potential trading piece in the efforts of the Knicks trading for Utah Jazz All-Star Donovan Mitchell (“Mitchell”). With RJ no longer available the Knicks chances of successfully trading for Mitchell declined. With that said, the Knicks effort in landing Mitchell has not faded. The Knicks remain persistent in believing Utah might be attracted to other potential assets and draft picks in hope of landing Mitchell. The decision of where Mitchell will play the upcoming season is up to Utah. But one thing for certain is the Knicks have not fallen short of trying and if it were up to them Mitchell and RJ would be the new star duo in New York.