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Breaking: The Knicks’ $20 million contract offer to OG Anunoby in free agency is anticipated to be declined
According to reports, OG Anunoby, a forward with the New York Knicks, is anticipated to turn down his $20 million player option for the 2024–25 campaign and become a free agent this summer.
The announcement, which has been anticipated for months, was first reported by Stefan Bondy of the New York Post. This season, the Knicks acquired Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors knowing that he would almost definitely opt out and force them to pay. According to Fred Katz of The Athletic, Anunoby’s market might be worth $35–40 million a year.
Fans who only glance at Anunoby’s counting stats will be surprised by his huge pay. During his time with the Knicks, Anunoby averaged 14.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. Even when you consider Anunoby’s 39.4 percent three-point shooting percentage, those are mediocre numbers that you can find for a significant discount anywhere in the NBA.
Anunoby’s influence extends much beyond the box office, of course. The Indiana graduate is an excellent perimeter defender who can guard three or even four positions on the floor with his length and 240-pound body. Playing for a tough, defensive-minded head coach like Tom Thibodeau also made him appear completely at home.
Due in part to Anunoby’s absence due to a hamstring injury, the Knicks’ perimeter defense crumbled against the Indiana Pacers in their second-round series. Even yet, if Anunoby ends up being the Knicks’ highest-paid player come playoff time, it could be a little shocking.
Although they are both available for extensions this summer, All-Stars Julius Randle ($30.3 million) and Jalen Brunson ($25 million) earn less than their market worth.
The Knicks won’t be able to keep Brunson and Randle whole for the upcoming season since Anunoby will earn more than them, but if Anunoby is close to $40 million a year, they won’t have much option to give either player less than the maximum.
