NEW YORK — RJ Barrett and the Knicks committed to a lucrative extension, ending a dubious franchise streak and further complicating the Donovan Mitchell trade saga.
A source confirmed Barrett and the Knicks are finalizing a four-year deal that can pay the 22-year-old up to $120 million with bonuses. It’s not a five-year max deal for Barrett, but likely takes him off the table in trade negotiations with Utah for Mitchell.
Why?
Barrett’s extension includes a “poison pill” provision, which is in place until next summer and makes it difficult to match salaries. According to ESPN, Knicks president Leon Rose set a Monday deadline of completing a deal for Mitchell before extending Barrett.
With 11 first-round picks in the next seven years, the Knicks still own the most compelling package for the rebuilding Jazz. But Barrett’s inclusion would’ve mitigated the number of picks and prospects headed to Utah.
According to a source, Jazz executive Danny Ainge desires at least six first rounders from the Knicks with an emphasis on the unprotected ones. The Knicks also have young reserves Obi Toppin, Immanuel Quickley and Quentin Grimes to sweeten the deal.
But the Jazz can no longer count on acquiring Barrett, the Knicks’ top prospect.
As it stands, New York’s starting lineup is Jalen Brunson (PG), Evan Fournier (SG), RJ Barrett (SF), Julius Randle (PF) and Mitchell Robinson (C). They’ve committed over $280 million this summer to Barrett, Brunson and Robinson.
“Leon is comfortable going into the season with this roster,” a source said.
Barrett’s deal snaps a 22-year streak of the Knicks not extending a first-round pick off his rookie deal, which began after Charlie Ward signed in 1999.
Barrett, the third overall pick in 2019, was seemingly a lock to end the unfortunate stretch. After a largely disappointing rookie season, Barrett improved to the point of averaging 20 points last season while often accepting the most difficult defensive assignments.
His inconsistent shot and lack of explosion are probably the biggest hindrances to stardom, but the Canadian has the temperament and drive to succeed in New York and Madison Square Garden. By the end of last season, he firmly supplanted Randle as the team’s public voice and favorite of the MSG crowd.
Barrett’s contract bonuses are tied to All-Star, All-NBA and All-Defense selections, according to SNY. Three others in the 2019 draft class — Zion Williamson, Ja Morant and Darius Garland — secured max extensions early in free agency.
Barrett, who had been sitting out international games for Canada while awaiting his extension, survived the trade talks to become the first Knicks first-round pick since the 90s to reach this point.
