The New York Knicks were widely expected to be able to re-sign wing OG Anunoby this offseason after acquiring him midway through this past season. But those waters are starting to become a bit murky as the offseason has officially started.
According to ESPN NBA Insider Brian Windhorst, Anunoby is ‘not thrilled’ with the expected offer from the New York Knicks.
“Let’s keep an eye on that,” Windhorst said Monday on ‘Get Up’ when discussing Anunoby. “Most people believe Anunoby will stay with New York, but there have been indications he may want to test the market because he’s not thrilled with what the Knicks are offering.”
Anunoby is set to decline his nearly $20 million for next season to land a long-term deal that could be up to $35 million per season.
After being traded to the Knicks at the trade deadline, Anunoby averaged 14.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and shot 39.4 percent from three in 23 games. He played nine games in the postseason, seeing those numbers rise to 15.1 points, 6.0 rebounds and 41 percent from three.
While the play of OG Anunoby has been stellar, the issue has been his availability. Anunoby has played more than 50 games just one time in the last four seasons.
Because of that, there is an expectation that some of his contract will revolve around games played.
“They’re committed to having him here long-term,” SNY’s Ian Begley said of Anunoby. “If I had to guess, I think there would be some injury protections in the deal or some stipulation with games played.”
“I’d be very surprised if the Knicks don’t bring Anunoby back one way or another,” New York Post writer Stefan Bondy added. “If I’m the Knicks, I’m attaching incentives to games played because of his injury history. A lot of that is on what the competition is offering. The bottom line is I’d be very surprised if Anunoby doesn’t come back to the Knicks.”
In a new rule adjustment, teams can start negotiating with their own free agents one day after the season ends — meaning those conversations can begin as early as Tuesday.
Make sure to follow Hoosier Illustrated, part of the Full Ride Network, on Twitter @Indiana_FRN, Facebook and YouTube to stay up to date on all of the news, updates and coverage of Indiana University athletics. You can also listen to the Talking’ Bout the Hoosiers podcast on Spotify.
Looking for a place to get more Indiana content? Hoosier Illustrated has partnered with Tom Brady’s company ‘Autograph’ to streamline our coverage, so you can continue to do what you do best – follow IU sports. Use the CODE: Indianafr to get started today. For more info, you can start here.
