RJ Barrett's Future with the Knicks: Exploring the Possibility of an Offseason Trade

As the NBA season comes to a close, teams are already looking ahead to the offseason, evaluating their rosters and making decisions about which players to keep and which to trade. For the New York Knicks, one player who has been generating buzz as a potential trade candidate is RJ Barrett. In this article, we'll explore the reasons why Barrett might be on the move and what it could mean for the Knicks.

Barrett's Performance This Season

Barrett, the third overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, has shown flashes of brilliance in his young career. This season, he averaged 17.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, while shooting 40.8% from the field and 34.2% from three-point range. While these numbers are respectable, they haven't quite lived up to the expectations that come with being a top-three pick.

Contract Situation

Barrett is entering the final year of his rookie contract, which pays him $10.9 million next season. The Knicks will have to decide whether to extend his contract or trade him before he becomes a restricted free agent in 2024. If they choose not to extend him, trading him this offseason could be the best way to get value in return.

Possible Trade Destinations

If the Knicks do decide to trade Barrett, there are several teams that could be interested in acquiring him. The New Orleans Pelicans, who have been looking to add a scoring wing, could be a potential suitor. The Denver Nuggets, who have a strong young core and are looking to add depth, could also be in the mix.

What the Knicks Could Get in Return

If the Knicks trade Barrett, they could potentially get a combination of draft picks, young players, and veteran role players in return. They could also use Barrett as a trade chip to acquire a more established star player. The Atlanta Hawks, who have been looking to shake up their roster, could be a potential trade partner. While RJ Barrett has shown promise in his young career, his future with the Knicks is uncertain. With his contract situation and the team's desire to compete for a championship, a trade could be on the horizon. As the offseason approaches, it will be interesting to see what the Knicks decide to do with Barrett. Will they extend his contract and build around him, or will they trade him and bring in new talent? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure - the NBA offseason is always full of surprises.

Source: HoopsHype

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be taken as professional advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of HoopsHype or its affiliates.