The retention of star player OG Anunoby is the primary goal for the New York Knicks as they head into a critical summer. The Knicks will need to make some difficult choices in order to maintain their core group as interest from other teams heats up.
Knicks Must Make Decisions About OG Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein During the Offseason
OG Anunoby, who was named to the All-NBA second team in 2022, has drawn interest from many teams in the league, such as the Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers. While it’s generally agreed upon that the Knicks will make every effort to retain Anunoby, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype notes that doing so would come at a high cost, perhaps starting at a minimum of $35 million per season.
It is widely anticipated by the league that OG Anunoby will rejoin the Knicks. How much is the question? Anunoby’s bottom seems to be $35 million, and his ceiling is a max contract, according to league executives I’ve spoken with, Scotto said. “If Philadelphia thinks they’ll miss out on their primary target, Paul George, they’ll be searching for a 3-and-D small forward and have the maximum cap space to make the offer. Anunoby would receive $35 million a year, according to two general managers, but a maximum would be difficult given his history of injuries.
Anunoby played in 23 games for New York after being traded to the Knicks the previous season, averaging 14.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 48.9% from the floor. Anunoby improved his defensive and rebounding skills after joining the Knicks, even though his scoring slightly decreased. He was crucial in the playoffs until a hamstring injury limited his output. His ability to influence games and his defensive prowess were especially clear when he was instrumental in the team’s postseason victory over the 76ers.
The Knicks now have to make sure that Anunoby doesn’t wind up helping a team that plays in the same conference as them, like Philadelphia, who may be able to put together a strong core around Joel Embiid. If Anunoby stays healthy, the Knicks will be in a position to challenge elite teams with Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson as a formidable combination.
Leon Rose needs to manage his relationship with another important free agent, Isaiah Hartenstein, in addition to Anunoby. Hartenstein is attracting interest from the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Knicks’ early bird rights offer of $16.2 million might not be enough in this cutthroat market.
In order to maintain the financial freedom required to retain both Anunoby and Hartenstein, the front office may decide to make roster changes, including cutting Bojan Bogdanovic or trading Mitchell Robinson. The Knicks would be able to invest in preserving the chemistry and consistency that had been growing over the previous season with these changes, which would free up crucial payroll space.
