Newsletter
Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Reading: Knicks Wanted To Move RJ Barrett In Donovan Mitchell Deal Rather Than Signing Him To Rookie Extension Before October, Says NBA Insider
Fadeaway WorldFadeaway World
Search
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Follow US
Home > NBA News & Analysis > Knicks Wanted To Move RJ Barrett In Donovan Mitchell Deal Rather Than Signing Him To Rookie Extension Before October, Says NBA Insider

Knicks Wanted To Move RJ Barrett In Donovan Mitchell Deal Rather Than Signing Him To Rookie Extension Before October, Says NBA Insider

The Vy Lee Tran
Sep 3, 2022
4 Min Read
Share

Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

RJ Barrett is a solid two-way wing, and this season, he established himself as the face of the New York Knicks and the best player on the franchise. While he was slightly inefficient during the 2021-22 season, Barrett still averaged 20.0 PPG, 5.8 RPG, and 3.0 APG while playing elite defense. 

Contents
  • The Knicks Wanted To Move RJ Barrett In A Deal For Donovan Mitchell
    • Next
    • NBA Rumors: Jazz Asked Knicks For RJ Barrett In Donovan Mitchell Trade
    • NBA Executives Are Split On The Potential Of RJ Barrett: “From A Value Perspective, Some See Him As A Future All-Star, Others Are Less Sold And Think He’s Probably Just A Starter.”

It was recently reported that the New York Knicks have signed RJ Barrett to a lucrative contract extension that could be worth $120 million over four years. There’s no doubt that this was a solid decision for the franchise.

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.

While the New York Knicks went with this course of action to retain their young player, it seems as though they would have preferred to do something different, according to an NBA insider.


The Knicks Wanted To Move RJ Barrett In A Deal For Donovan Mitchell

Donovan Mitchell was one of the biggest names on the trade market this summer, and the New York Knicks were a team that was heavily linked to the star shooting guard. They ultimately ended up missing out on Mitchell, as the Jazz decided to trade him to the Cavaliers.

A recent report by Knicks insider Marc Berman of the New York Post revealed that the Utah Jazz would have preferred to trade RJ Barrett in a Donovan Mitchell deal rather than sign him to an extension so soon.

In fact, according to an NBA source, the Knicks’ would have preferred not to sign Barrett to a hefty contract extension at this moment. They wanted to at least wait until the mid-October deadline to see him at training camp — or even until July 1, when he would have hit restricted free agency.

Barrett was drafted before Rose’s and senior executive William Wesley’s time with the team. Knicks general manager Scott Perry made the Barrett pick in 2019, and even then it wasn’t unanimous. 

“They didn’t want to pay RJ now, they like RJ, but he’s not one of their guys,’’ the NBA source said. “The preference was to trade him in a Donovan deal. … [I]f they got Donovan without Barrett in the deal, they weren’t going to pay RJ now.’’ 

It is clear that signing RJ Barrett to an extension during the summer may not have been what the front office originally wanted to do, but that decision could end up paying off for them in the future. If RJ Barrett develops into a star, then the long-term deal could even look really good in hindsight.

Though the New York Knicks may not be a competitive team next year, it is quite possible that we’ll see RJ Barrett take a jump on an individual level. Hopefully, we see the young forward continue to improve and become the star that many fans hope he can be. 

Next

NBA Rumors: Jazz Asked Knicks For RJ Barrett In Donovan Mitchell Trade

NBA Executives Are Split On The Potential Of RJ Barrett: “From A Value Perspective, Some See Him As A Future All-Star, Others Are Less Sold And Think He’s Probably Just A Starter.”

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

TAGGED:Donovan MitchellNew York Knicks ArchiveUtah Jazz Archive
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
ByThe Vy Lee Tran
Follow:
The Vy Lee Tran is a Senior Writer for Fadeaway World, specializing in trade scenarios, blockbuster trades, and the NBA salary cap. He graduated from Earlham College with honors and a B. A. in English.He is an avid fan of the NBA as a whole and thinks Stephen Curry is quite easily a top-10 player of all time. In his free time, you can find Lee playing basketball and working on his 3PT jumper. Expertise: NBA, Trade Scenarios, CBA, Salary Cap, Player BreakdownsFavorite Team: New Orleans Pelicans Featured On Sports Illustrated, HoopsHype, Heavy
Previous Article J. R. Smith Explains What It Was Like To Get His First “A” Grade In College: “It Was Like Dunking On Somebody Or Hitting A Game-Winner.”
Next Article Kyrie Irving Opens Up On Last Few Years: “I’ve Done Some Quirky S**t.”
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Newsletter
Facebook X-twitter Instagram

You Might Also Like

Lakers head coach Byron Scott reacts during an NBA game against the Kings at Staples Center
NBA News & Media

Byron Scott Once Left His Own Son Behind In New Orleans For Being Late To The Team Flight

October 4, 2025
Warriors guard Stephen Curry and wife Ayesha Curry during the 2022 NBA All-Star Saturday Night at Rocket Mortgage Field House
Golden State Warriors News & Analysis

Ayesha Curry Never Wanted Kids; Claims Stephen Curry Doesn’t Understand Her Career Goals

October 4, 2025
Lakers center Deandre Ayton during media day at UCLA Health Training Center
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

Deandre Ayton After Recording Two Blocks But Only Two Shot Attempts In His Lakers Preseason Debut:

October 4, 2025
San Antonio Spurs News & Analysis

5 Goals For Spurs Superstar Victor Wembanyama In 2025-26 NBA Season

October 2, 2025

NBA - Fadeaway World

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • New York Knicks
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
  • Washington Wizards

Pages

  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA Media
  • Exclusive NBA Interviews
  • NBA 2K News & Updates

© 2025 Fadeaway World @ All Rights Reserved

  • About Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World Authors
  • Editorial Team
  • Ethics Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Contact Us
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?