OG Anunoby is going to remain with the New York Knicks.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Anunoby intends to a sign a five-year, $212.5 million contract to remain in New York.
The deal will reportedly include a player option and trade kicker.
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. Deal will include a player option and a trade kicker. pic.twitter.com/q5VcjOeryW
— Adrian 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 premier 3-and-D forwards, Anunoby was expected to command a ton of interest in free agency. Amid rumors that he could earn a max contract from another team, it became clear the Knicks would have to use built-in advantages to keep Anunoby — that is, a fifth-year contract option and larger annual raises.
Still, there may be some sticker shock for some NBA fans and analysts. Anunoby was projected to have a starting salary of around $35 million, though many expected him to get 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 this past season, playoffs included. Anunoby and the newly acquired Mikal Bridges gives the Knicks perhaps the most fearsome defensive wing tandem in the NBA.
