Knicks’ Precious Achiuwa decision could have Isaiah Hartenstein implications

The Knicks picked up the contract option of one big man and sent another one into unrestricted free agency. 

Precious Achiuwa, who served as a capable frontcourt injury replacement last season, didn’t receive a qualifying offer from the Knicks by Saturday’s deadline, a source confirmed.

The move doesn’t completely rule out Achiuwa re-signing in the summer, but the Knicks gave up their matching rights.

It would be a surprise if Achiuwa comes back.

It was also a potential symbol that the Knicks are still pursuing Isaiah Hartenstein.

Giving Achuiwa the $6.3 million qualifying offer would’ve hurt the team’s financial flexibility toward re-signing Hartenstein.  

Achuiwa, who was acquired from the Raptors as the secondary piece in the trade involving OG Anunoby last season, averaged 7.6 points and 6.6 rebounds last season.

He filled in as a starter for stretches following the injuries to Julius Randle and Anunoby, displaying a higher aptitude for rebounding than at his previous stops in Toronto and Miami.

Achiuwa who went to high school in NYC after immigrating from Nigeria. 

In another move involving a center, the Knicks picked up Jericho Sims’ $2.1 million option for next season, a source told The Post.

His deal is still only partially guaranteed with two trigger dates until fully guaranteed later in the summer. 

Sims, 25, a second-round pick of the Knicks in 2021, is among the most athletic centers in the NBA and participated in the 2023 Slam Dunk contest.

Nevertheless, he hasn’t yet developed an offensive game other than dunks and has to learn to avoid fouling.

Scouts are impressed with his upside as an athlete. 

Sims started several games last year after the injury to Mitchell Robinson, but quickly suffered an ankle sprain that pushed Hartenstein into the lineup. 

Sims was in-and-out of the rotation after that. 

In other housekeeping moves a day before free agency, the Knicks extended a two-way qualifying offer to Jacob Toppin, the brother of Obi.

They did not extend offers to Duane Washington Jr. and Charlie Brown Jr.

They also declined the team option of Daquan Jeffries.