2. WHAT ABOUT DONOVAN MITCHELL AND THE TRADE MARKET? 4. WILL MITCHELL ROBINSON BOLT IN FREE AGENCY?
Back to those letters to season ticket holders: we’ve heard for a long time about asset accumulation and financial flexibility, which are unstated tools toward a major trade. The Knicks, it’s no secret, have been waiting for the next disgruntled superstar to force his way to MSG, with dreams of Rose and World Wide Wes using their connections to entice some former CAA client. For much of the season, the hot name has been Mitchell, an All-Star with ties to New York and a rumored wandering eye. It’s a longshot considering Mitchell’s under contract until 2026, but there’s a ton of smoke surrounding the guard’s unhappiness in Utah. If not Mitchell, though, what about Bradley Beal in a sign-and-trade?
3. WILL RJ BARRETT SIGN AN EXTENSION?
Barrett can become the first Knicks draft pick to re-sign off his rookie deal since Charlie Ward, but there might be some haggling over his value. Barrett’s production doesn’t quite signify a max contract (five years, $181 million), but the argument can be made based on his age (still just 21) and upward trajectory (averaged 20 points this season). If he doesn’t sign by the October deadline, Barrett will hit restricted free agency in the summer of 2023. That’s not something the Knicks want to linger. Also, keep in mind that Barrett is New York’s most enticing piece in any deal.
Robinson is the only unrestricted free agent of consequence on the Knicks roster this summer, and he’s been waiting a long time to finally make REAL NBA money. New York gambled by not inking Robinson to an extension and now, unfortunately, it’s hard to justify a big contract for the 24-year-old center with two similar players — Nerlens Noel and Jericho Sims — already on the roster. Robinson is the best of the bunch and developed in Tarrytown so a reunion can’t be ruled out, even if it seems unlikely. The Pistons and Mavericks are interested in Robinson, according to sources.
5. WILL JULIUS RANDLE COME BACK?
His max extension kicks in next season and under normal circumstances his return would be a certainty. But Randle’s relationship with the city imploded and there are solid reasons both sides would benefit from a divorce. The problem is Randle’s value. It’s never good business to sell at a low point, and the best option for New York would be to revitalize Randle’s game and fit him in a slightly different (and lesser) role.