NBA Rumors: New York Knicks could trade RJ Barrett if a star player becomes available

RJ Barrett is having a solid campaign for the upstart New York Knicks this season. However, some fans are critical of Barrett for his lack of improvement, especially his shooting. The latest rumors suggest that the Knicks could trade Barrett this summer if a star player becomes available.

On a recent episode of "The HoopsHype Podcast," Michael Scotto and SNY's Ian Begley discussed the rumors and rumblings around the Knicks. One of the topics they tackled was Barrett's future in New York.

Scotto speculated that Barrett could be used to acquire a star player, given his availability during the Donovan Mitchell saga.

"During the summer, Barrett was discussed in the Donovan Mitchell trade talks," Scotto said. "Looking ahead, I expect his name to pop up again in trade talks if the Knicks are linked to any star player that hits the market."

Ian Begley added that the Utah Jazz really wanted RJ Barrett last offseason. However, the Jazz wanted too many draft picks from the Knicks and accepted the offer from the Cleveland Cavaliers. Begley noted that no player outside of Jalen Brunson will be untouchable in trades.

"(Knicks president) Leon Rose didn't pull the trigger on a trade for Mitchell," Begley said. "He wasn't comfortable with what Utah was asking for. I don't think any Knick outside of Jalen Brunson would be untouchable in any trade scenario for a star player."

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RJ Barrett losing closing minutes to Josh Hart and Quentin Grimes

RJ Barrett of the New York Knicks

RJ Barrett is having a good year for the New York Knicks, averaging 19.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. However, Barrett is just shooting 43.1% from the field, 32.6% from beyond the arc and 74.8% from the charity stipe.

Some Knicks fans have been frustrated that Barrett has not turned into an All-Star, unlike his draft classmates such as Ja Morant, Zion Williamson and Darius Garland. The arrival of Josh Hart and the improvement of Quentin Grimes have made head coach Tom Thibodeau's job a little harder.

Michael Scotto of HoopsHype pointed out that Thibodeau prefers a closing lineup of Jalen Brunson, Immanuel Quickley, Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson and Hart. Grimes also gets occasionally chosen by the coach, while Barrett is left on the bench during crucial minutes.

Barrett's rookie max extension will kick in next season. He signed a four-year contract worth $120 million. That was less than what players such as Morant, Williamson, Garland, Jordan Poole and Tyler Herro received last offseason.

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