Well, the New York Knicks blockbuster acquisition of Mikal Bridges on Tuesday did not change a darn thing outside of improving their roster.
Once the deal for Bridges with the Brooklyn Nets became public record, most figured that fellow three-and-D wing OG Anunoby was headed out of town in NBA free agency this summer.
About that?
Continuing with what has already been an eye-opening offseason for the organization, the Knicks have reportedly retained Anunoby.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Anunoby returns to the Knicks on a whopping five-year, $212.5 million contract. The deal includes a player option for the fifth season as well as a trade kicker.
That $42.5 million average salary was on the high end as it relates to what Anunoby’s market would have been in free agency after he opted out.
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Impact of the New York Knicks re-signing OG Anunoby
Massive impact.
Postseason included, the Knicks posted a 26-6 record with Anunoby in the lineup after he was acquired from the Toronto Raptors in a blockbuster deal ahead of the in-season NBA trade deadlline.
OG Anunoby stats: 14.1 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1 BPG, 34.9 MPG with New York Knicks
The Philadelphia 76ers were seemingly set to poach Anunoby from the Knicks if he hit NBA free agency this weekend. Obviously, that’s not going to be the case.
By making this move now, the Knicks have solidified their core four. That includes Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges and Anunoby.
It now remains to be seen whether New York will use its remaining draft assets to add another top-flight player. Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson offer up the salaries to make another blockbuster trade a possibility.