OG Anunoby will remain with the New York Knicks.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Anunoby intends to sign a five-year, $212.5 million contract to remain in New York.
The deal will reportedly include a player option and trade clause.
Free agent F OG Anunoby intends to sign a five-year, $212.5 million contract to return to the New York Knicks, sources tell ESPN. The deal will include a player option and a trade kicker. pic.twitter.com/q5VcjOeryW
—Adrián Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 26, 2024
Anunoby was set to hit unrestricted free agency after declining a $19 million player option for 2024-25.
As one of the NBA’s top 3-and-D forwards, Anunoby was expected to draw a lot of interest in free agency. Amid rumors that he could earn a max contract with another team, it became clear that the Knicks would have to use built-in advantages to retain Anunoby, namely a fifth-year contract option and larger annual raises.
Still, the price may come as a surprise to some NBA fans and analysts. Anunoby was estimated to have a starting salary of around $35 million, although many expected him to receive up to $40 million per season. His new contract should pay him, on average, $42.4 million per year.
The Knicks went 26-6 with Anunoby in their lineup last season, including the playoffs. Anunoby and newly acquired Mikal Bridges give the Knicks perhaps the most fearsome defensive end duo in the NBA.
