One of the latest rumors surrounding the New York Knicks trading for Donovan Mitchell is the fact that they are now giving more thought to trading away RJ Barrett. A player who was untouchable before, as the team’s best asset, could very well be on the table now.

Donovan Mitchell and the Knicks have been linked now for quite a while. At this point, it would be shocking if the Knicks didn’t make this trade.

The biggest question surrounding this deal is how many assets Leon Rose and the Knicks are willing to give up. Danny Ainge reportedly wants a ton of draft capital. Now, RJ Barrett is also in the mix along with names like Quentin Grimes, Evan Fournier, and Obi Toppin.

Should RJ Barrett even be included in this trade from New York’s point of view? Barrett is the best non-draft pick asset they have right now. So, they will include him and multiple picks that the Utah Jazz wants to be unprotected?

Something isn’t exactly adding up. Ainge continues to brag about how he “never loses a trade,” but at some point, another General Manager has to stand their ground and say no to his insane trade proposals. The Knicks aren’t good enough right now to trade their entire future. Picks and younger assets are all important for their long-term success.

Keeping RJ Barrett, Jalen Brunson, and even Julius Randle should be at the top of the list when adding Donovan Mitchell. Having a core four of those guys is going to give them the best chance to compete if they have to trade a bunch of their picks.