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3 things to know about RJ Barrett’s four-year extension with Knicks

By Jordanna Clark

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 22: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks reacts during game against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on March 22, 2022 in New York City. 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 Michelle Farsi/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 22: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks reacts during game against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on March 22, 2022 in New York City. 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 Michelle Farsi/Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks did what most fans have been waiting for late on Monday night — extended RJ Barrett. It was a move that wasn’t necessarily expected to happen given the talks surrounding Donovan Mitchell, but it was one that solidifies that the Knicks are headed in the right direction.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Barrett was finalizing a four-year, $120 million extension with New York. The 22-year-old had been eligible to sign an extension since July 1, and he was set to become a restricted free agent next summer, but fans no longer have to worry about that happening.

Barrett’s going to remain in New York for the time being (or so it seems). He’s entering his fourth season in the league, and in his third season, he averaged 20 points for the first time. From the start of 2022 to the end of the regular season in April, Barrett averaged 23.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 41 games while shooting 41.2% from the field.

RJ Barrett’s the future of the Knicks, and while there’s still a good possibility that a Donovan Mitchell-New York trade will still happen, fans should be celebrating the front office’s latest move.

3 things to know about RJ Barrett’s extension with the Knicks

3: RJ Barrett ‘officially’ snaps the Charlie Ward curse

Earlier this summer in free agency, New York re-signed Mitchell Robinson to a four-year, $60 million deal. Robinson ‘broke’ the Charlie Ward curse of the Knicks re-signing one of their draft picks to a multi-year deal, but RJ Barrett officially snapped the curse because he’s the first player to be a first-round draft pick to break the curse. New York drafted Robinson as the No. 36 overall pick in 2018.

In the span of two months, the Knicks have re-signed two of their own draft picks, and although Robinson was a second-round pick, both deals are worthy of recognition. The best way to build a team is through the draft (look at the Golden State Warriors), and that’s what New York is doing.

Ward signed his extension with the Knicks in 1999 after being drafted No. 26 overall in 1994. Here we are 23 years later, and the curse has *officially* been broken by RJ Barrett.

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