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NBA rumors: RJ Barrett, Knicks expected to find common ground on contract negotiations

Barrett Knicks

Photo: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

New York Knicks have set priority on signing Jalen Brunson this offseason and they made all the necessary moves to clear cap space and pursue the Dallas Mavericks point guard once the free agency open this evening.

However, they will have more things to settle this summer in addition to building a winning roster. RJ Barrett will become eligible for a rookie scale contract extension and the Knicks hope to find common ground with the Canadian forward ahead of the 2022-23 season.

Some within the New York Knicks “are optimistic that there will be common ground” regarding an extension for RJ Barrett, per SNY’s Ian Begley. Barrett is eligible to begin negotiating a new contract this summer.

Barrett will make $10.9 in his last year of his rookie contract. Through three seasons, he’s averaging 17.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists while shooting 41.8 percent overall and 35.7 percent from beyond the arc.

He certainly hasn’t performed on “maximum money” efficiency through his first three seasons. The Knicks could let Barrett play out the last season of his deal and see his worth in the open market next offseason.

However, there’s definitely a risk in that. The troubled dynamic between Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns illustrates the potential risk in that approach. Ayton failed to come to an agreement last summer, and the Suns are facing the consequences of their decision.

That would be the worst-case scenario for the Knicks, but having a “common ground” when the talks between Barrett and New York start will be an important factor going forward.

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