OG Anunoby is making headlines as he signs a jaw-dropping deal to return to the Knicks, sealing a five-year contract worth a staggering $212.5 million, including a player option for the final season, as reported by ESPN. This move isn't just a big deal—it's the biggest in the history of the Knicks, shattering previous records set by stars like Carmelo Anthony and Julius Randle.
Anunoby, now 26, brought significant leverage into these negotiations, and he clearly knew how to use it. The Knicks were already in a tricky position after trading two of their top young players, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, to acquire Anunoby from the Raptors last December. Losing him for nothing was not an option for Knicks president Leon Rose. So, they made the call to keep Anunoby, committing over $200 million to ensure he stays in New York.
This blockbuster deal, while exciting for Knicks fans, comes with some complications. The team's ability to re-sign other key players, like Isaiah Hartenstein, is now in question. With Hartenstein hitting unrestricted free agency on Monday, the Knicks might find themselves hard-capped due to the pending Mikal Bridges trade. This financial pinch could mean offering Hartenstein a deal well below his market value unless another trade is made before free agency to clear up some cap space.
There’s a lot riding on this megadeal, especially with the concern over Anunoby's injury history. He hasn’t played more than 70 games in a season since his rookie year in 2017-18. In three of the last four seasons, he didn’t even hit 50 games, missing 27 games last season with the Knicks due to an elbow injury that required surgery. Anunoby also strained his hamstring in the playoffs, causing him to miss most of the second round where the Knicks were ultimately knocked out by the Pacers in a seven-game series. It's still unclear if his new contract includes any games-played stipulations to address these concerns.
Yet, looking ahead, Anunoby's presence, alongside Bridges, creates one of the most formidable defensive wing duos in the NBA, potentially rivaling the Clippers' Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. This duo is a strong foundation to challenge Boston's Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the current top dogs of the Eastern Conference and the NBA.
With the season approaching, the Knicks’ lineup looks promising. Anunoby, Bridges, Jalen Brunson, and Julius Randle form a core that screams championship contention. However, the center position remains a puzzle. Before the Bridges trade, re-signing Hartenstein on a four-year, $72.5 million max deal was feasible. Now, that's a long shot without significant restructuring. Hartenstein is likely to receive lucrative offers in free agency, with teams like the OKC Thunder and Orlando Magic showing interest.
If Hartenstein departs, Mitchell Robinson will be the Knicks' main man in the middle. Robinson is a beast on the offensive boards, arguably the best in the league, but he has his own injury woes, coming off two ankle surgeries.
Adding another layer of excitement, Jalen Brunson is eligible for a max extension in August, potentially worth four years and $156 million. This could further solidify the Knicks’ commitment to building a championship-caliber team.
The Knicks are playing a high-stakes game, balancing between maintaining a competitive roster and navigating the complexities of the salary cap. The decision to retain Anunoby on such a massive contract shows their determination to build a winning team. His defensive prowess and ability to impact games on both ends of the floor make him a valuable asset, but his health will be a critical factor in the Knicks' success moving forward.
In summary, the Knicks' bold move to lock in Anunoby with a record-breaking deal sets the stage for an intriguing season. They’ve built a lineup that’s ready to compete at the highest level, with a few question marks still looming. Knicks fans have plenty to be excited about as they look forward to seeing how this revamped squad will perform and whether they can overcome the challenges ahead to become true title contenders.
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