4 star players Knicks might have to give up in possible Donovan Mitchell trade

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - FEBRUARY 07: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz defends RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks during the second half of a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 07, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

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RJ Barrett, New York Knicks. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

2: RJ Barrett

If Utah demands RJ Barrett in a potential trade, that’d make perfect sense, but New York’s front office shouldn’t do it. He’s the most enticing player on the Knicks’ roster because of the growth that he showed in 2022 alone.

Barrett is the face of the franchise and could sign a maximum rookie extension over the summer. Given what he’s said about playing in New York, the Knicks should pay him what he’s worth. If for whatever reason the two sides can’t agree to an extension between now and the end of next year, he’ll become a restricted free agent in 2023.

There isn’t a reason to believe that’ll happen. New York is expected to make a flurry of moves during the offseason and they should be centered around Barrett. That’s how special he is.

In the Jazz’s eyes, Mitchell is the same. However, gaining Utah’s star isn’t worth giving up Barrett, although the possibility of it happening shouldn’t be ruled out.

As mentioned, if Mitchell is unhappy and specifically asks to be traded to the Knicks, New York will have the upper hand.

At 21-years-old, it should be a no-brainer to keep Barrett on the roster. He’s a leader, is going to give the team everything that he’s got, and is going to continue to get better. That’s not something that any team, especially the Knicks, should pass up on.

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