NBA Rumors: OG Anunoby Expected to Decline $20M Knicks Contract Option in Free Agency

New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby is reportedly expected to decline his $20 million player option for the 2024-25 season and hit free agency this summer.

Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reported the news, which has been widely expected for months. The Knicks acquired Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors this season with the knowledge he’d almost certainly opt out and they’d have to pay him.

Fred Katz of The Athletic noted Anunoby’s market could reach into the $35-40 million range annually.

Paying Anunoby such a large salary will pop some eyes among fans who just look at his counting stats. Anunoby averaged 14.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game with the Knicks. Those are pedestrian stats you can find in the bargain bin across the NBA, even if you take into account Anunoby’s 39.4 percent clip from three.

Of course, Anunoby’s impact goes far beyond the box score.

The Indiana product is a stellar perimeter defender, capable of using his length and 240-pound frame to defend three and sometimes four positions on the floor. He seemed right at home playing for a hard-nosed, defensive-minded head coach like Tom Thibodeau as well.

The Knicks saw their perimeter defense fall apart in their second-round series against the Indiana Pacers in part because of Anunoby’s absence due to a hamstring injury.

Still, it might be a little jarring next season if Anunoby winds up being the Knicks’ highest-paid player. All-Stars Jalen Brunson ($25 million) and Julius Randle ($30.3 million) make below their market value, though both are eligible for extensions this summer. There’s little the Knicks can do about making Brunson and Randle whole for next season—Anunoby will make more than them—but they’re going to have little recourse to offer either player below the max if Anunoby is nearing $40 million annually.