The New York Knicks gave up quite a lot to acquire OG Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors. Their trade package centered around former No. 3 overall pick RJ Barrett, but also included Immanuel Quickley and a future second-round pick (for Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn).
As it turns out, however, the Knicks might need to dig deeper into their pockets to retain the services of Anunoby, with the prospect of the 6-foot-7 small forward potentially leaving New York via free agency this summer.
OG Anunoby Could Demand Up to $160 Million From New York Knicks
An anonymous Eastern Conference general manager recently spoke to Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports about Anunoby’s potential extension with the Knicks. The general belief is that New York will need to table an offer for the 26-year-old in order to keep him with the team for the foreseeable future. Apparently, this might cost them up to $160 million:
“He will try to break the bank there,” the GM said. “Why not? They can’t afford to lose him. Not a max deal or anything, but I think from his side, it is going to look more like $40 million per year, something like four years and $160 million.”
That’s a lot of money.
Is OG Anunoby Worth His Weight in Gold?
There is considerable concern surrounding Anunoby’s health, though. He is currently sidelined with an elbow injury and does not have a timetable to return. Last season, he played just 67 games for the Raptors, which was the most he’s played in the past three seasons. Between 2020 and 2022, the former Indiana standout suited up for a total of 91 games in two seasons.
“It has to worry you,” said exec. “He is going to get a lot of money from the Knicks, but he is starting to look like a player who is just injury-prone and that makes you nervous, paying him that much.”
At this point, however, it doesn’t seem like the Knicks have a choice.
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