RJ Barrett gets a $120M bag but complicates a Donovan Mitchell trade, Nets sign free agent Markieff Morris, and Giannis voted best player in NBA in ESPN survey.

Happy Humpday!

RJ BARRETT

RJ Barrett Gets a $120M Bag But Complicates a Donovan Mitchell Trade

The Knicks have done something they haven’t done since 1999 — sign a first-round New York draft pick to a multi-year extension. Late Monday night, Woj revealed that RJ Barrett is finalizing a four-year contract extension worth up to $120M.

This deal is a big win for the Knicks, particularly because the final two years of Barrett’s contract take place after the NBA’s lucrative TV contract renews, which is expected to greatly increase the salary cap. Barrett’s contract should be a steal then, if it’s not already, considering what an impactful wing player he’s already become.

The only downside to this deal is what it could mean for the Donovan Mitchell trade. While RJ was originally not being asked for by the Jazz, his name has reportedly come up in the most recent trade talks. This contract and its poison pill provision make it much more likely that RJ will stay in NY. This season RJ’s salary counts for $10.9M against the cap, but if traded it would jump to the average of his new contract value of roughly $26.2M.

The Knicks likely still have the best offer of any team seriously looking at trading for Mitchell, and while this contract may complicate a trade, it definitely doesn’t take them out of the running.

MARKIEFF MORRIS

Nets Sign Markieff Morris to a One-Year Deal

Yesterday the Brooklyn Nets bolstered their frontcourt by signing veteran free agent Markieff Morris to a non-guaranteed one-year deal. The news was first reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

This signing was foreshadowed by reports last week about mutual interest between the two parties, although the 76ers were also said to have “explored the feasibility” of signing him.

Morris appeared in 17 games for the Miami Heat last year after suffering a whiplash injury at the hands of Nikola Jokic but was a key rotation player during the Lakers' 2019-20 championship run.

The Nets needed a backup big man to help out the young Nic Claxton, and at 6-foot-9, 245-pounds, Morris is certainly that. He’s expected to play both as a small-ball center and his natural position, power forward.

GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO

Giannis Voted Best Player in NBA in ESPN Survey

Giannis Antetokounmpo was voted the best player in the NBA in a recent ESPN survey, topping the likes of Luka Doncic and Steph Curry for the honors. The survey was comprised of 15 coaches, scouts, and executives and saw Antetokounmpo win with a commanding 11 votes.

Steph Curry came in second place with three votes, and LeBron James rounded out the list with one. This survey also asked who would be the best player in five years, and once again, Antetokounmpo came out on top. However, Luka Doncic came in second place in this poll.

One of the most interesting takeaways from this best-player poll was that the reigning back-to-back MVP winner, Nikola Jokic didn’t receive any votes.

THE RUMOR MILL

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