Knicks Rumors: Precious Achiuwa Doesn’t Receive $6.2M Qualifying Offer, Will Be UFA

After finishing the 2023-24 season with the New York Knicks, center Precious Achiuwa could be on the move.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Knicks did not extend a $6.2 million qualifying offer to Achiuwa before Saturday’s deadline, making him an unrestricted free agent this summer. New York would’ve had the chance to match any offer he received from other teams if the qualifying offer was extended.

The Knicks acquired Achiuwa along with star swingman OG Anunoby in a December trade with the Toronto Raptors. The center appeared in 49 games for New York with 18 starts and averaged 7.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks while shooting 52.5 percent from the field in 24.2 minutes of action.

Achiuwa emerged as a key contributor when the Knicks lost center Mitchell Robinson to foot surgery. He averaged 12.2 points and 10.7 rebounds in 38.7 minutes during the month of February. His playing time diminished when Robinson and backup center Isaiah Hartenstein got healthy.

ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks told Stefan Bondy of the New York Post that Achiuwa’s estimated free agency value is “$8 million-$10 million in annual salary.” Hartenstein is also an unrestricted free agent this summer, and both he and Achiuwa reportedly could benefit from a weak free-agent class at the center position.

At 24 years old, Achiuwa is a promising young talent whose best years are still ahead of him. He will certainly receive a strong amount of interest on the open market.