RJ Barrett, in his first remarks about new signee Jalen Brunson, sounded extra enthusiastic about that prospect than his new contract extension.
“Jalen’s nice,’’ Barrett mentioned at Monday’s season-ticketholder occasion on the Backyard. “A extremely arduous employee. He works on his sport so much. He has a pure management means too. Being round him, I’ve gotten to gravitate towards him. Once we’re collectively, we’ll play nicely, particularly with us each lefties.’’
Barrett was considerably subdued throughout an occasion that was closed to the media and hosted by MSG Community’s Monica McNutt. Knicks president Leon Rose, GM Scott Perry, senior adviser William Wesley and coach Tom Thibodeau sat within the entrance row.
That is the Knicks’ new offseason modus operandi to close out the press, which was additionally banned from the Brunson press convention, too. Maybe Barrett was low-key as a result of he is aware of the Knicks frantically tried to commerce him for Donovan Mitchell in July and August however failed.
The Put up has reported when crew brass knew it was shedding Mitchell to Cleveland, it hiked up its contract talks with Barrett and leaked it in order to beat the Cavaliers’ information.
“It feels fairly good,’’ Barrett mentioned. “I really feel honored and blessed. It is a place I needed to be. I used to be joyful they first drafted me and now with the extension, to be right here 4 extra years, will probably be nice and I’m excited to get to work.’’
The deal is for $120 million however there’s $13 million in incentives. The assured half is $107 million and a supply mentioned it should begin at $24 million in 2023-24.
Every incentive piece is price the identical quantity — between $1 million and $1.2 million — for making the All-Star Sport, All-Defensive crew and All-NBA. For example, if Barrett makes the All-Star crew in his closing 12 months, the bonus is $1.2 million, the supply mentioned.
The Knicks open coaching camp in two weeks and play their season opener in Memphis on Oct. 19.
“Beginning in Memphis, I like beginning in Memphis,’’ Barrett mentioned. “It’s a great sport and nice take a look at off the bat to see who we're.’’
The season-ticketholders briefly chanted “RJ’’ when he took the stage — which turned a practice on the Backyard final season.
“It means so much — they help us each sport, win or lose, they’re all the time there,’’ mentioned Barrett, who averaged 20 factors per sport. “They've their opinions, however it’s good. And to play in New York that really is aware of about basketball and cares. And I care too.
“I’ll all the time do not forget that first playoff sport we had [in 2021] and the way loud it was. A factor I’ll always remember and hope to get extra of that.’’
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