The New York Knicks finally found the missing piece that would elevate the team’s performance. With how uncertain the Knicks are about Julius Randle’s future, the franchise desires to secure a good replacement.
The Knicks obtained this crucial player in the middle of the season. Though his impact while playing for the clubs was incredible, the New York Knicks could take advantage of this scenario and retain the 6’ 7 small forward, or they take the risk.
Will the Knicks take the risk?
New York Knicks Small Forward Rejects Player Option Contract
In December 2023, the Knicks acquired OG Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors with the same $72 million four-year contract and $19.9 million player option. The risk of this trade was OG Anunoby would become an unrestricted free agent if he opted out of his player option contract.
Just like what NBA spectators expected, Anunoby opted out of the player option contract to become a free agent. However, the Knicks could avert the risk of losing this dynamic player and retain him long-term.
What could the Knicks offer? The franchise can offer a massive deal but how could it affect the cap size of the Knicks? A better question is can the clubs afford Anunoby’s demand?
OG Anunoby’s Possible Annual Salary
Aside from Anunoby, the New York Knicks have other crucial contracts to deal with. These contracts include Isaiah Hartenstein, Jalen Brunson, and Julius Randle. Thus, if the Knicks deal with these players successfully, it could push the franchise into the luxury tax territory based on their cap situation. The Knicks have about $148 million cap size and Anunoby could be eligible with not less than $30-35 million four-year extension.
The 6’ 7 small forward is worth the price, however, one problem is the player’s availability. Anunoby was injured twice while he played for the Knicks in the regular season and postseason series. With this common problem, the franchise would strategize on making a better deal with Anunoby and how to gradually increase his salary as the small forward is injury-prone. Depending on how the Knicks handle this situation, losing this 3-and-D forward to rival teams could be a great loss for the franchise’s offseason.
Anunoby’s Midseason Contribution at the Knicks
The 6’ 7 player saved the Knicks early this year after moving from the Toronto Raptors. In January, the Knicks missed their All-Star player Julius Randle due to a shoulder injury that needed vital care and attention. Therefore with the Anunoby trade, the Knicks could fill in that gap left by Randle. Though he played in 23 regular games for the club, the team could maintain their win-loss margin with Anunoby on the court. Also, he contributed to New York’s 21-3 run and averaged 14.1 points 4.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists shooting 48.9% from the floor.
During the postseason games, the 26-year-old London native helped the club win four games out of six against the Philadelphia 76ers to qualify for the semifinals. Anunoby injured during playoffs which took him out of the team’s roster. The Indiana Pacer championed over the Knicks without Anunoby’s presence. This indicates that the small forward played a crucial role in maintaining the Knicks’ stand as the title contenders.
Final Thoughts
OG Anunoby is an excellent dynamic player. With teams searching for potential 3-and-D players, the Forward could be a hot free agent if the Knicks decide to risk him out of the club. The only factor that could prolong offering Anunoby a four or five-year contract is his availability rate.
The highest number of regular games played in his career is 74 for the Raptors. However, other appearances fall below that number due to injury. Since the franchise has draft picks, they could use those picks to make that cap situation better as the club extends more contracts with their vital players.
About the Author
Wisdom is an email and brand copywriter with two years of content writing experience. He started Cloud Kitchen Concept to help startups and business owners elevate their brands from good to great. You can connect with him on LinkedIn and Instagram to enjoy cooked meals for your business’s growth.
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