It is generally anticipated that the forward, 26, would turn down a player option worth $19 million and become an unrestricted free agency this summer. Anunoby is anticipated to get a lot of interest in free agency because he is one of the best 3-and-3 players in the NBA. Even though it seems like the Knicks are the favorites to re-sign him, Anunoby will definitely test the market. NBA analyst Brian Windhorst stated on Monday’s “Get Up” on ESPN that Anunoby is “not thrilled” with the Knicks’ current offers and plans to hear additional ones.
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.
Windhorst’s remarks come in response to a story by Yahoo’s Jake Fischer stating that not everyone in the NBA thinks Anunoby’s return to New York is a certain. What the Knicks have provided so far is unknown. Anunoby’s new contract is expected to pay him at least $35 million a season, according to numerous insider predictions. According to Fred Katz of The Athletic, he wouldn’t be shocked if Anunoby earned $40 million a season.
Bobby Marks, an NBA front office insider for ESPN, proposed a four-year, $145 million contract for Anunoby on Monday. Given the outside projections, this is a relatively modest amount. Marks added that since Anunoby has had trouble staying on the court throughout his career, his contract need to include a games-played incentive to ensure the fourth year. Anunoby has a lot of clout this offseason because of his role’s high demand and the fact that he can be signed by good clubs with cap space. The Philadelphia 76ers remain a danger despite having a huge void at forward. Anunoby might need to accept a sizable offer to leave the Knicks, or New York might have to match in order to hold 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.
