What does RJ Barrett's extension mean for his future with the New York Knicks, as well as their discussions with the Utah Jazz on a possible trade for All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell?
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Monday that the Knicks and Barrett are finalizing a four-year extension to his rookie contract that could be worth up to $120 million. Barrett will become the fifth player from the 2019 draft to sign a rookie extension, joining Darius Garland, Ja Morant, Zion Williamson and Keldon Johnson.
The unusual timing of the extension -- several weeks before the start of training camp -- relates to New York's pursuit of a trade for Mitchell. Per Wojnarowski, the Knicks gave Utah a deadline of Monday night to strike a deal before moving on to the extension for Barrett. The move complicates -- though it does not preclude -- his inclusion in a Mitchell package.
Let's take a look at the parameters of Barrett's extension, how the Knicks and Jazz could still make a Mitchell trade and explore the implications for both teams if Mitchell is not traded before the start of training camp.