Duke small forward RJ Barrett reportedly declined a private workout with the Memphis Grizzlies and wants to be drafted by the New York Knicks, according to Jonathan Givony and Mike Schmitz of ESPN.
The Grizzlies have the second overall pick and are widely expected to take Murray State point guard Ja Morant. If the Knicks don't trade the third pick, all signs point toward them taking Barrett, although nothing is set in stone yet.
The Grizzlies’ ownership group is still telling people around the league the team is locked in on Morant, but the front office has requested to have Barrett in for a private workout — something he has declined but might revisit over the next three weeks, sources told ESPN.
Barrett is scheduled to work out for New York on June 10. As I reported from the combine: Although sources say Barrett would be excited about landing in New York, the Knicks planned to do their due diligence by making calls on trade options and evaluating other prospects in the top 10.
Barrett averaged 22.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists this season at Duke while shooting 45.4 percent from the field, 30.8 percent from beyond the arc and 66.5 percent from the free-throw line.
The Knicks have cap space this summer to sign two max contract players. In a perfect world, New York throws out a lineup next season featuring Kyrie Irving, Barrett, Kevin Durant, Kevin Knox and Mitchell Robinson.
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