Knicks News: OG Anunoby’s NY Future in Danger as Sam Presti Breaks Character With $50 Million Lure

The New York Knicks were yet again hit by the misfortune of injuries. They pushed a Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the playoffs. It stayed competitive until the franchise ace, Jalen Brunson broke his hand. But while they lost, it left a large hope for next season. They got this far without another All-Star Julius Randle on the floor. Their trade deadline reconstruction had favored their vision. What do they have to fear? It’s the offseason.

During the time the season is on hiatus, it’s generally business hours around the NBA. The Knicks have a lot to go through during this spell. First is the extension for OG Anunoby. The two-way slasher played the final year of his four-year $72 million extension he signed with the Raptors. He does have the player option to continue another season, but like most Anunoby could prefer opting out to sign a bigger contract.

It gives him leverage to demand his asking price from the Knicks. But they aren’t the only ones trying to woo the 26-year-old. The Oklahoma City Thunder, who are young and enthusiastic want to add a defensive general to their team. They are observing Anunoby’s contract situation and are reportedly unafraid to splash dollars at him.

The general manager, Sam Presti has been seen as a conservative spender. But in the case of OG, he is willing to compromise on his values. As per Stephon Bondy, a reporter for the New York Post, “There’s speculation OKC would offer him something in the realm of two years, $50 million with an opt-out in the second year, which is something like Bruce Brown got” he wrote on X. It would be significantly more than what he earns right now ($19 million is he opts in).

Presti rarely offers such sums to players, even if they are bound for greatness. The GM of the Thunder couldn’t meet James Harden’s price when he was the Sixth Man of The Year. His final offer at the time was $55 million, five million short of his $60 million extension. The Thunder have also only paid $106,443,551 with over $87 million being distributed between 2017 and 2019. If we compare the current roster, Shai-Gilgeous Alexander signed a five-year $180 million deal. Even Cleveland’s Darius Garland earns more with Donovan Mitchell on the team.

It shows just how desperate the Thunder are for OG Anunuoby. And who wouldn’t be? He is an exceptional defender who can stretch the floor and contributes heavily as a scorer on any given night. He averaged 14.1 points and 1.7 steals with the Knicks in 23 games this season. Additionally, his gritty defense could be valuable during the postseason, a station the OKC Thunder could be landing on for a long time.

Knicks Free Agency before 2024-25 season

As an outsider, it’s easy to think the Knicks can move a few pieces to accommodate Anunoby to a long contract. However, he isn’t the only free agent they have to sign. Center and screensetter Isaiah Hartenstein is also up for an extension. The prolific big has become an integral part of Thibodeau’s hard-nosed and physical system. The Knicks wouldn’t want to let him walk for nothing.

Additionally, there are impending extension offers for Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle yet to come. Nothing really needs to be said about Jalen Brunson. He was a tycoon during the playoffs, averaging 32 points per contest. Since his arrival in the Big Apple, the spirit of basketball has lifted once again. Randle of course was the star who steadied the Knicks for Brunson. He has earned All-Star nods multiple times as a Knicks.

There is a chance the Knicks decide to part ways with Randle and add a more suitable superstar to accompany Brunson. It’s still unknown what the New York front office is thinking. But it’s of paramount importance that the franchise secures its key pieces. As it looks, that isn’t going to come without restraint from the opposition.