Knicks Rumors: RJ Barrett to Visit NY for Workout, Meetings Amid NBA Draft Buzz

Rob Goldberg @TheRobGoldbergFeatured ColumnistJune 3, 2019

Duke forward RJ Barrett (5) reacts after scoring against Michigan State during the second half of an NCAA men's East Regional final college basketball game in Washington, Sunday, March 31, 2019. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

The New York Knicks are expected to get a full look at potential No. 3 overall pick RJ Barrett next week, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN:

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Duke forward RJ Barrett – the presumptive No. 3 pick in the NBA Draft – will make a visit to the New York Knicks early next week for meetings, medical evaluation and light court work, league sources tell ESPN. The Knicks are selecting third in this month's draft.

In his latest mock draft, Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman predicted the Knicks will take the Duke wing with the third pick after Zion Williamson and Ja Morant are off the board.

Barrett seems excited about the possibility of playing in New York based on his comments at his pro day last week:

SNY @SNYtv
R.J. Barrett on what parts of New York he loves and the relationship he has with a few current Knicks: https://t.co/3FJn0ZJPVT

"It would be a lot of fun, playing in the Garden, the bright lights," Barrett added, per Ian Begley of SNY. "They have so much history down there. It would be amazing."

He reportedly turned down a chance to work out with the Memphis Grizzlies, who own the No. 2 pick, per Jonathan Givony and Mike Schmitz of ESPN.

The upcoming workout will be Barrett's chance to show the Knicks why he deserves to be their selection.

After averaging 22.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game during his freshman season, Barrett could become the Knicks' No. 1 option on offense as they try to work their way back toward playoff contention.

✨ Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content

However, the Knicks don't appear certain that Barrett will be their guy.

Begley reported that Texas Tech guard Jarrett Culver will also work out for New York this week while noting that some members of the front office are "high" on him.

Per Givony and Schmitz, the Knicks could also trade back in the lottery for more assets.

New York's range of options will keep the drama high heading into the June 20 draft.