3 reasons why RJ Barrett deserves a max extension from Knicks

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 23: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks walks off the court after defeating the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on March 23, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

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With RJ Barrett’s contract set to expire after the upcoming season, the New York Knicks must decide on whether or not they wish to offer the 22-year-old a max extension. While some may disagree, I believe Barrett would be worth every penny of that deal.

The extension in question will have Barrett set to make $185 million over the next five seasons. That is a lot of money for a player of Barrett’s level. However, I believe that in the next couple of years, there will be no doubt that he will be worth it.

Here are three reasons why RJ Barrett deserves a max extension from the Knicks

3: The market

Is RJ Barrett worth $185 million right now? Absolutely not. However, that is just simply what high potential players on rookie contracts are being paid.

A good example of this is Michael Porter Jr., who after one season of averaging 19 PPG on elite efficiency, was rewarded with a five-year, $172 million deal. I’m not saying that Porter is better than Barrett or that Barrett is better than Porter, but we have seen players who have shown less get paid the same amount as what Barrett is owed.

If the Knicks want to keep Barrett, they must pay him that much. It is as simple as that. Forget all the potential he has and how well he’s played the last two seasons, his extension is just simply what the market for rookie extensions has become.

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