The New York Knicks pulled off the first blockbuster trade of the 2023-’24 season by landing OG Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett. While the move helps New York immediately, there have been questions about if the Knicks overpaid for a rental player.
Anunoby is owed just $18.642 million this season and holds a $19.928 million player option for the 2024-’25 season. However, Anunoby is widely expected to decline the option and become one of the top NBA free agents in 2024.
- OG Anunoby stats 2023: 15.1 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 2.6 APG, 48.9% FG, 1 SPG
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It made trading Barrett and QUickley for Anunoby a long-term gamble for New York. However, the 26-year-old wing is a perfect fit for what Tom Thibodeau wants to run. Furthermore, it appears New York might have a real shot to re-sign Anunoby at a discount rate.
According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, Anunoby intended to set his contract demands at a multi-year deal worth $40-plus million per season. Around the league, however, New York was always viewed as a legitimate free-agent destination for Anuboby and it could allow the Knicks to sign him at a cheaper rate.
“The Knicks didn’t land Anunoby without an understanding of his own financial considerations. Anunoby held meetings with several agencies this past offseason when he decided to leave Klutch Sports, telling potential representation he was interested in a larger offensive role that would be commensurate with a salary figure in the ballpark of $40 million in average annual value, league sources told Yahoo Sports. However, Anunoby did leave those potential agents with the impression he would be willing to accept a smaller figure if he were to have landed in New York, sources said.”
Jake Fischer on New York Knicks wing OG Anunoby
While Anunoby has become a more effective shooter this season, setting a career-high with a 58.4 eFG%, he hasn’t been quite as effective as last season. After his final game in Toronto, Anunoby had .072 Win Shares per 48 minutes, the lowest in his career since 2018.
- OG Anunoby contract: $18,642,857 salary in 2023-’24, $19.928 million player option in 2024
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An All-NBA Defensive Second Team selection and the NBA steals leader last season, Anunoby simply hasn’t been as effective defensively. However, the Knicks hope a new environment with better talent around him will help Anunoby recapture his form.
