Report: Knicks’ OG Anunoby declines player option, enters unrestricted free agency
OG Anunoby has hit the open market.
The New York Knicks forward has declined a $19.9 million player option for the 2024-25 season, opting for unrestricted free agency this summer, first reported by Fred Katz of the Athletic on Monday.
Anunoby, 26, now gets to choose his next team with no limitations.
The decision by the 26-year-old comes as no surprise considering he’ll likely garner upwards of $30 million annually on the open market. Anunoby, after being traded by the Toronto Raptors to the New York Knicks in December, proved how valuable his 3-and-D prowess could be.
New York finished the regular season 20-3 with the former 23rd overall pick as he helped them earn the second seed in the Eastern Conference, and make it to the second round of the postseason. Anunoby did face injury concerns during his time with the Knicks, however, battling an elbow injury and a hamstring strain that kept him out of their final four playoff games.
Anunoby averaged 14.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.7 steals and one block (career-high) as a member of the Knicks.
New York will likely put forth a considerable amount of effort to retain Anunoby, given his impact and the acquisition cost having been Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett, but the market will presumably be competitive.
The 2022-23 steals leader will be one of the more sought-after wings available this offseason, likely garnering interest from multiple cap-flexible teams such as the Hornets, Pistons and 76ers.
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