Forward OG Anunoby has opted out of his contract with the New York Knicks and will become a free agent, according to The Athletic’s Fred Katz.
The news doesn’t come as a surprise, considering that Anunoby is expected to land a much bigger deal than his $19.9 million player option for 2024-25.
OG Anunoby has declined his $19.9 million player option for next season, a league source tells The Athletic, an expected move. Anunoby will now officially become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Free agency begins June 30.
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) June 24, 2024
The Knicks acquired Anunoby in December in a deal with the Toronto Raptors, sending youngsters RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley and a second-round pick in exchange. The New York team did this knowing that there was a big risk of losing Anunoby to free agency this offseason.
Anunoby was limited to 23 games with the Knicks in 2023-24 due to right elbow surgery, averaging 14.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals. He was also hampered by a hamstring injury in the playoffs, managing to play just nine games.
The Knicks will reportedly be aggressive in trying to re-sign Anunoby but will face competition. While there are questions surrounding Anunoby’s health, considering he played more than 50 games only once in the past four seasons, he is viewed as one of the best available players in upcoming free agency, and multiple teams are believed to be interested in his services.
In order to avoid losing Anunoby for nothing, the Knicks will likely have to offer him a max or near-max deal between $35 million and $40 million annually.
Anunoby entered the league as the 23rd overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Raptors. He is averaging 12.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals as a pro while having an NBA All-Defensive Second Team nod from 2023 on his resume.
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