RJ Barrett, in his first remark, New Signer Jalen Brunsonsounded more excited about the prospect than his new contract extension.
“Jaylen is amazing,” Barrett said at Monday’s season ticket holders event at The Garden. When I was there, I started to gravitate toward him.When we’re together, we play well, especially when we’re both left-handed.”
Barrett was somewhat sober during the event, which was hosted by MSG Network’s Monica McNutt and closed to the media. Knicks president Leon Rose, general manager Scott Perry, senior counsel William Wesley and coach Tom Thibodeau sat in the front row.
It’s the Knicks’ new offseason trick to shut the press out, which was also banned from Branson’s press conference. Perhaps Barrett was holding back, knowing that the Knicks desperately tried to trade him for Donovan Mitchell in July and August, but failed.
The Post reported when the team’s brass found out they were going to lose Mitchell to Cleveland. Leaked to step up contract negotiations with Barrett and beat the news of the Cavaliers..
“It feels pretty good,” said Barrett. “I feel honored and blessed. This is where I wanted to be. I am excited to get to work.
The deal is $120 million, but includes $13 million in incentives. The guaranteed portion is $107 million for him, and one source said that in 2023-24 he will start at $24 million.
Each incentive piece to make an All-Star Game, an All-Defensive Team, or an All-NBA is worth the same amount ($1 million to $1.2 million). For example, if Barrett was selected to the All-Star team in his final year, the bonus would be $1.2 million for him, sources say.
The Knicks will begin training camp in two weeks and open in Memphis on October 19.
“Starting with Memphis, I love starting with Memphis,” said Barrett. “It’s a good game and a great test to see who we are.”
The season ticket holder briefly chanted “RJ” as he took the stage. This became a garden tradition last season.
“It means a lot. Win or lose, they support us every game. They’re always there,” said Barrett, who averaged 20 points per game. rice field. “They have their own opinions, and that’s a good thing. And to play in New York, where they actually know and care about basketball. And I care, too.”
“I will always remember the first playoff game we played [in 2021] and how loud it was. It’s something I’ll never forget, and I wish I had more of it. ”
