The New York Knicks’ fortunes have improved since OG Anunoby joined the team, but if he becomes a free agency, they may have to sign a costly new contract.
Although the New York Knicks are worried about OG Anunoby’s short-term prospects, the real problem may lie in a longer-term problem.
Anunoby is anticipated to turn down a $19,9 million player option that became available on his contract following a December trade with Toronto. After a stellar start, Anunoby has missed the last 15 Knick games due to an elbow ailment.
Shortly after Anunoby made his Knicks debut in January, Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports speculated about what a possible new deal in New York could look like. He noted that the presence of former Creative Artists Agency and current team president Leon Rose enhances the likelihood of a long-term deal.
“(Anunoby said) further contract conversations would be left to his representation, CAA,” Fischer stated. “Due to the agency’s close ties to Madison Square Garden, NBA staff members have high expectations that Anunoby will reach a deal that exceeds the four-year, $118 million contract he was unable to sign but would not have accepted from the Raptors, according to league sources who spoke with Yahoo Sports.
In a small sample size, Anunoby has undoubtedly shown his worth: the Knicks won 12 of their first 14 games of the new year after he entered the lineup, but they have only gone 7-8 since. Julius Randle’s injury coincided with Anunoby’s absence.
