Knicks eliminated from playoffs: O.G. Anunoby, Isaiah Hartenstein free agency headline New York’s offseason | Sporting News United Kingdom

Good vibes at the Garden weren’t enough for the Knicks to overcome an unprecedented string of injuries during the 2024 NBA Playoffs. A decimated Knicks team saw its magical season end in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the hand of their rival Pacers.

After entering the playoffs without All-Star Julius Randle, the Knicks saw O.G. Anunoby, Bojan Bogdanovic, Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson go down with injuries during their run. As a final blow, star Jalen Brunson exited Game 7 early
with a fractured hand that would have likely held him out for the rest of the team’s playoff run had they advanced.

While their season ended in disappointment, the Knicks spent 2023-24 building something special and re-invigorating one of the best fanbases in sports in the process.

What does the future hold for the Knicks? Here is where New York stands as it looks to build upon one of the franchise’s best seasons in recent memory.

MORE: Pacers set playoff field-goal shooting record in Game 7 win at Madison Square Garden

Key storyline: The free agency of O.G. Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein

New York’s identity as a hard-nosed team starts with head coach Tom Thibodeau and is epitomized by a roster that has been tailor-made to fit that mold.

Anunoby and Hartenstein each play a crucial part in the Knicks being who they are.

In late December, New York took a risk in acquiring Anunoby from Toronto. There’s no questioning whether or not the move paid off as the Knicks posted a 26-6 record when Anunoby suited up — and one of those losses was Game 7, where he was limited to just five minutes of action.

The risky part of acquiring Anunoby comes from his potential free agency. Anunoby has a $19.9 million player option for the 2024-25 season and could opt out of the final year of his deal to earn a much bigger payday.

Anunoby will turn 27 this offseason and, as New York’s record with him indicates, is a player who contributes to winning. Negotiations could begin at a four-year deal worth $150 million, according to The Athletic’s Tim Cato. 

When it is time to negotiate, Anunoby and his representation will have plenty of leverage. The Knicks cannot allow another team to swoop in and offer Anunoby a deal that would pry him away.

Hartenstein endeared himself to Knicks fans with his hustle and can-do attitude while stepping up in the absence of numerous frontcourt stalwarts. As a solid rebounder, underrated passer and overall tough player, Hartenstein plays a large role in the Knicks’ optimal operation.

The market for a player like Hartenstein will be north of $12 million, as ESPN’s Bobby Marks explained to The New York Post. Based on early reporting, the Knicks will likely need to commit a combined figure of over $50 million annually to retain Anunoby and Hartenstein.

As heavily as Thibodeau relies on each member of a tight rotation, the Knicks must keep their core intact to continue to build for the future.

Knicks upcoming free agents

New York could see as many as 10 players enter free agency in 2024. The biggest questions loom around impending free agents Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein.

Both Anunoby and Hartenstein started and played big minutes during the playoffs, and Precious Achiuwa delivered big moments after joining the Knicks midseason.

* Two-way contracts

MORE: Revisiting the Knicks’ last NBA championship run

Knicks future salaries, roster

New York’s All-Star duo of Brunson and Randle are under contract through at least next season. DiVincenzo, Hart and Robinson are also under contract for at least the next two seasons, meaning the team’s core will mostly remain intact.

While there are questions about Anunoby and Hartenstein and free agency, New York has some security in knowing it will have the above five players together.

To be a team with realistic aspirations of contending in the Eastern Conference, the Knicks are in a good position financially.

PO = Player option

TO = Team option

NG = Non-guaranteed

UFA = Unrestricted free agent

RFA = Restricted free agent

Knicks 2024 NBA Draft picks

The Knicks own picks 24, 25 and 38 in the upcoming NBA Draft.

In addition to their own pick (25), the Knicks own the Mavericks’ selection (24) as part of the 2019 trade that sent Kristaps Porzingis from New York to Dallas. The 38th pick originally belonged to the Utah Jazz.

In his most recent two-round Mock Draft
, the Sporting News NBA Draft expert Kyle Irving had New York taking France’s Tidjane Salaun, Virginia’s Ryan Dunn and Weber State’s Dillon Jones.

Here is more from Irving on Dunn:

Dunn has a case as the best perimeter defender in this draft class. Even though he only made seven 3-pointers all regular season, his IQ and tools on the defensive end are too good to pass up in the first round.

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau would love having a versatile stopper like Dunn at his disposal.

New York’s draft capital gives the franchise more flexibility this offseason.