Knicks, OG Anunoby Agree to Massive Extension Following Mikal Bridges Trade

After shipping out an epic stash of future draft equity to acquire former Brooklyn Nets small forward Mikal Bridges in a surprise Tuesday night trade, the New York Knicks are continuing their active offseason in earnest.

Read More: Knicks Acquire Star From Nets for Massive Haul of Draft Picks

On Wednesday, New York inked free agent 3-and-D combo forward OG Anunoby to an astronomic five-season, $212.5 million contract, sources told Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Wojnarowski reports the contract includes a player option for Anunoby and a trade kicker. The latter item is effectively a tax on his contract to disincentivize other teams from attempting to acquire him in a deal.

Read More: Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo React to ‘Villanova Knicks’ in New York

New York first acquired Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors, with whom he won a championship in 2019, en route to a 50-32 season and the Eastern Conference’s No. 2 seed in 2023-24. The 26-year-old Anunoby, who has battled a variety of health issues throughout the years, instantly proved himself to be a critical contributor on both ends of the hardwood. Head coach Tom Thibodeau’s switchy defense favors versatile wing players, and the 6-foot-7 Anunoby fits the bill as someone who can convincingly guard three or four positions.

A 2022-23 All-Defensive Teamer, the Indiana product made the Knicks almost unbeatable whenever he did suit up. During 23 regular season contests, New York posted a 20-3 record. Anunoby averaged 14.1 points on a .488/.394/.791 slash line, 4.4 rebounds, 1.7 steals, 1.5 assists and one block a night.

Led by All-NBA point guard Jalen Brunson, the Knicks made it to the second round of the playoffs for the second straight season. A wave of injuries, including to Anunoby, prevented the Knicks from reaching what would have been their first Eastern Conference Finals berth in over two decades. The team eventually ran out of steam against the sixth-seeded Indiana Pacers in the seventh game of their semifinal series.

Now, New York looks poised to take the next step in 2024-25. The club will at least boast incredible wing depth between Anunoby, Bridges, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo, plus All-Stars Brunson and power forward Julius Randle. Backup point guard Miles McBride gives the club added toughness off the bench. Now, the Knicks must determine how to handle the free agency of starting center Isaiah Hartenstein, who emerged as a stellar finisher and rim protector during the club’s playoff run. Mitchell Robinson, his backup, seems likely to reclaim his starting gig should Hartenstein move on.

The Knicks have cemented their status as perhaps the East’s second-best team heading into the postseason, and have an opportunity to build out their depth in this week’s 2024 NBA Draft. New York possesses the Nos. 24, 25 and 38 selections.