What RJ Barrett’s four-year extension means for the Knicks’ pursuit of Donovan Mitchell

What does RJ Barrett’s extension mean for his future with the New York Knicks, as well as their discussions with the Utah Jazz on a possible trade for All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell?

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Monday that the Knicks and Barrett are finalizing a four-year extension to his rookie contract that could be worth up to $120 million. Barrett will become the fifth player from the 2019 draft to sign a rookie extension, joining Darius Garland, Ja Morant, Zion Williamson and Keldon Johnson.

The unusual timing of the extension — several weeks before the start of training camp — relates to New York’s pursuit of a trade for Mitchell. Per Wojnarowski, the Knicks gave Utah a deadline of Monday night to strike a deal before moving on to the extension for Barrett. The move complicates — though it does not preclude — his inclusion in a Mitchell package.

Let’s take a look at the parameters of Barrett’s extension, how the Knicks and Jazz could still make a Mitchell trade and explore the implications for both teams if Mitchell is not traded before the start of training camp.