One NBA writer believes the New York Knicks could trade small forward RJ Barrett for a star.
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report thinks Barrett would “likely be front and center of that exchange” if the Knicks traded for a star this summer.
“The Knicks are loaded with draft picks and prospects, but if they swing a star trade this summer, RJ Barrett will likely be front and center of that exchange,” Buckley wrote. “The 22-year-old hasn’t quite become what New York hoped he’d be when adding him with the No. 3 pick in 2019. The fact that he is simultaneously falling short of expectations and averaging 19.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists the past two seasons speaks to how high his ceiling sits.
“There are reasons beyond wishful thinking to believe he’s capable of more. Barrett has the physical tools to be a much more consistent defender and has aced that role during certain stretches of his four-year career. He shows flashes of great vision and passing, which makes you wonder if his playmaking might perk up in an offense with better spacing. And while he may never be a lights-out shooter from long range, he’s clearly capable of higher marks than the 31 percent splash rate he just posted (like his 36.7 percentage from the previous two seasons).”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: RJ Barrett & New York Knicks Updates
The Knicks drafted Barrett with the third overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Duke. The lefty has career averages of 18.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists. Barrett, 22, signed a four-year, $120 million rookie scale extension with New York in 2022.
The Knicks made the playoffs this season and lost to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in six games. Most people around the NBA believe New York needs another elite player next to Jalen Brunson.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: RJ Barrett & New York Knicks Updates
“With the right amount of patience, the Duke product could still emerge as a two-way star. The Knicks may not want to wait, though, since the Julius Randle-Jalen Brunson duo is ready to win right now,” Buckley wrote. “The Knicks ‘are going to at least listen’ if teams come calling for Barrett, as SNY’s Ian Begley told HoopsHype podcast, and they could place some calls of their own if the right established star becomes available.”
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