5 roster moves the New York Knicks need to make this offseason

Roster moves the New York Knicks need to make this offseason: 4. Pick up R.J. Barrett’s team option and extend him

Last season, it was Randle who was the great hope for the Knicks. Thanks to his drop-off this season, another player had to pick up some of the slack. That player was third-year man RJ Barrett.

Barrett managed to average 20.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 34.5 minutes per game. Like the rest of the Knicks, Barrett saw a decrease in his shooting percentages. Part of this is how defenses are playing him closer as they see him develop. The other part is due to the fact that, since the Knicks added so many other players who are good offensively, Barrett is finding his offense again.

The third-year wing is due just under $11.0 million next season, and given the level of play he exhibited this past year, he is going to be worth every penny. Barrett is the future star of this team and the Knicks need to do everything that they can to keep him around.

He is eligible for his rookie extension, and his play should see him be given everything that the Knicks can offer him. The Knicks have the salary-cap space space available to accommodate this, particularly if they make the right moves via trade.