Knicks Notes: Barrett, Fournier, Mitchell, Pitino

While it’s clear they’re seeking several first-round picks in exchange for Donovan Mitchell, there have been conflicting reports over which Knicks players the Jazz would prefer in such a deal.

According to SNY TV’s Ian Begley, Utah continues to have strong interest in Knicks wing RJ BarrettEvan Fournier’s name has also come up in discussions — his contract would certainly facilitate a deal from salary-matching purposes.

The Jazz would also want at least one of the trio of Obi ToppinQuentin Grimes and Immanuel Quickley, Begley adds.

The Knicks have softened their stance on potentially dealing Barrett, with some of their decision makers willing to part with Barrett in a Mitchell deal, according to Begley’s sources. However, there are several voices of influence in the organization, Begley notes, so it’s no certainty they’d actually give up Barrett.

We have more on the Knicks:

  • Rick Pitino, who coached them in the late ’80s and currently coaches at Iona, said that Mitchell would “love” to wear a Knicks uniform, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post. “Donovan loves the Knicks,’’ Pitino said. “Donovan loves being around his mom, sister and dad. Donovan would treasure being a Knick. That being said, things have to work out. I’m hoping, keeping my fingers crossed that he becomes a Knick. It would be very special for me as a coach seeing him in a Knick uniform as an ex-Knick coach.”
  • Barrett is a member of Team Canada, but he won’t play in the World Cup qualifying game against Argentina this week, Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News tweets. He’s reluctant to risk taking the court with a potential financial windfall looming. Barrett is eligible for a rookie scale extension this offseason.
  • For more info on Mitchell trade talks, click here.
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