The Knicks officially locked in RJ Barrett and Kevin Knox through the 2021-22 season after picking up both of their contract extensions on Monday.
For anyone unclear exactly how this works, teams get both guaranteed years and team option years for players they draft in the 1st-round. The Knicks decided to pick up their team options for both Knox and Barrett so they cannot enter free agency after this season. While this was certainly expected for both players, Knox alleviated any doubts that the club might not pick up his extension after a stellar shooting performance in preseason.
If anything, the new Knicks front office believes in Knox more-so than the last. With a slew of former Kentucky players now on the roster, along with former Kentucky associate head coach Kenny Payne hired to the Knicks coaching staff, it’s fair to say that the Knicks are banking on Knox getting more comfortable and finding his form. Kentucky head coach John Calipari himself said that bringing in Kenny Payne and some of his former players will help Knox in the long run. So, they certainly aren’t giving up on the young fella anytime soon.
As far as other players on the roster, both Frank Ntilikina and Dennis Smith Jr. did not receive contract extensions on Monday. This means both players will be restricted free agents at seasons end.
CP from KnicksFanTV spoke with Ian Begley of SNY in his latest live stream to discuss the future of the roster heading into the regular season. Check it out below.
