OG Anunoby leveraged his position perfectly this NBA offseason, resulting in the richest contract in New York Knicks history—five years, $212.5 million.
After arriving in New York in December through a blockbuster trade with the Toronto Raptors, Anunoby quickly became indispensable to the Knicks’ plans. With his ability to contribute on both ends of the court, he held the franchise in a difficult position as free agency loomed.
According to New York Daily News reporter Kristian Winfield, “Anunoby threatened to leave the Knicks in free agency just months after they acquired him.” The Knicks had given up key assets—2023 Sixth Man of the Year finalist Immanuel Quickley, former No. 3 overall pick RJ Barrett, and a second-round pick—to secure Anunoby, fully intending to make him a cornerstone of their roster.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, New York Knicks Updates
Anunoby’s play spoke for itself, as the Knicks went an impressive 26-6 in the 32 games he played. With no cap space to replace him and few options to improve the roster without his presence, New York couldn’t afford to let him walk. That left the Knicks with little choice but to offer Anunoby a max contract, which included a player option on the final year and a trade kicker, making him a long-term part of their plans.
“With no cap space to sign free agents and having sacrificed key players to acquire their star forward, the Knicks eventually caved, and Anunoby secured the richest deal in franchise history,” Winfield reported. The deal, worth $212.5 million over five years, ensured that Anunoby would remain in New York for the foreseeable future.
Anunoby Exploited Free Agency Advantages
While the Knicks were eager to lock up Anunoby, they faced fierce competition for his services. The Philadelphia 76ers were ready to make a strong push to lure him away from New York. With Paul George targeted by the Golden State Warriors in the lead-up to free agency, the Sixers saw Anunoby as their plan B.
However, after talks between the Warriors and Clippers broke down, the Sixers ultimately signed George to a four-year, $212 million deal, allowing the Knicks to focus on retaining Anunoby without further threats.
Had the Knicks lost Anunoby, it would have been a disastrous offseason, especially after already losing Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Hartenstein signed a three-year deal that the Knicks couldn’t match due to his early Bird rights, further limiting their ability to strengthen the roster.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, New York Knicks Updates
The Knicks had to make Anunoby their priority, and in doing so, they ensured that their defensive anchor would remain in place. But the pressure is now on New York to make this investment count as they aim to contend in an increasingly competitive Eastern Conference.
Anunoby and Bridges: The Knicks’ New Defensive Core
Beyond his max contract, the presence of OG Anunoby in New York represents a shift in the team’s defensive identity. With Anunoby and fellow defensive ace Mikal Bridges, the Knicks now boast one of the most formidable perimeter defenses in the league.
Bridges, who was acquired earlier in 2024, has already established himself as one of the NBA’s best wing defenders. Pairing him with Anunoby creates a dynamic duo that can guard nearly every position.
As noted by New York Daily News, “It’s difficult to find a better defensive combination on the perimeter than Bridges and Anunoby.” The duo gives head coach Tom Thibodeau unprecedented flexibility on the defensive end.
Anunoby has the strength and size to defend larger players, while Bridges excels at guarding smaller, quicker players. Together, they can take turns on the league’s top offensive threats, from Giannis Antetokounmpo to Luka Dončić.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, New York Knicks Updates
Thibodeau’s defense is built on discipline and pressure, and with Anunoby and Bridges at his disposal, he now has two elite wings who can disrupt offenses and pressure ballhandlers without sacrificing defensive assignments. “Bridges is superior on smalls. Anunoby has the edge on bigs,” noted Winfield, highlighting how these two players complement each other on the floor.
The Knicks’ defensive potential is significant, and with Anunoby and Bridges leading the charge, New York could boast the NBA’s top defense if everything clicks. This would be a major step forward for the franchise as they aim to compete with the league’s best teams in the upcoming season.
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