Knicks, RJ Barrett Finalizing Massive Rookie Extension
By Jason Hall
August 30, 2022
New York Knicks swingman RJ Barrett is finalizing a four-year rookie extension worth up to $120 million, his agent, Bill Duffy of BDA Sports and WME confirmed to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski late Monday (August 29) night.
Barrett, 22, will become the youngest player in franchise history to sign a $100 million contract and the first Knicks first-round draft pick to receive a multiyear contract extension following his rookie deal since Charlie Ward in 1999.
The former Duke University star was selected by New York at No. 3 overall in the 2019 NBA Draft and has averaged 17.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists during his first three NBA seasons, which included a career high 20.0 points and 5.8 rebounds per game during the 2021-22 season.
New York Knicks guard RJ Barrett is finalizing a four-year rookie extension that could be worth up to $120 million, his agent Bill Duffy of @BDA_Sports + @WME_Sports told ESPN, complicating the franchise’s offseason trade pursuit of Utah Jazz All-Star Donovan Mitchell. pic.twitter.com/6KkGm4ch8o
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 30, 2022
Barrett is one of just five NBA players to record 3,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 200 3-pointers prior to his 22nd birthday, along with perennial All-Stars LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Luka Doncic, as well as late Basketball Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant, according to ESPN.
The extension comes amid the Knicks' reported interest in acquiring All-Star guard and New York native Donovan Mitchell in a trade with the Utah Jazz.
Wojnarowski reports that the decision to extend Barrett, who was rumored to be a key trade asset in a potential deal, complicated the Jazz's trade plans, but added that the two sides could "still find a pathway on a trade" for Mitchell.