Perhaps the No. 1 items on the New York Knicks offseason to-do list is re-signing forward OG Anunoby.
The 26-year-old forward is widely expected to decline a $ 19 million player option and become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
As one of the NBA’s elite 3-and-3 players, Anunoby is expected to command a ton of interest in free agency. While the Knicks have been deemed the frontrunners to re-sign him, from the sounds of it, Anunoby will truly test out his market.
While speaking on ESPN’s “Get Up” on Tuesday, NBA insider Brian Windhorst said that Anunoby intends to hear other offers because he’s “not thrilled” with the Knicks’ offers thus far.
“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,” Windhorst said.
Watch Windhorst’s comment below:
Windhorst’s comments follow a report from Yahoo’s Jake Fischer that some in the NBA don’t believe that Anunoby returning to New York is a slam dunk.
It’s unclear what the Knicks have offered thus far. Many insiders have predicted that Anunoby will make at least $ 35 million per season on his next contract. The Athletic’s Fred Katz has said he wouldn’t be surprised if Anunoby makes $ 40 million per season.
On Monday, ESPN’s NBA front office insider Bobby Marks suggested a four-year, $ 145 million contract for Anunoby — a surprisingly low number, given the external predictions. Marks also said that Anunoby’s contract should have a games-played incentive to guarantee the fourth year, as Anunoby has struggled to stay on the floor throughout his career.
Anunoby has a ton of leverage this offseason, not only because the role he plays is in-demand, but also because there are good teams with cap space who can offer to sign him. The Philadelphia 76ers — with a gaping hole at forward — linger as a threat. It could take just one big offer to lure Anunoby away from the Knicks or force New York to match to keep him.
NBA teams are now permitted to begin contract discussions with their own free agents. There’s still two weeks until June 30, the official start of free agency. Much can change between now and then, including the Knicks increasing their offer — or Anunoby deciding to leave.
