Breaking News: Knicks’ Massive Offseason Gamble of $212M Deal Backfire
The New York Knicks made a significant commitment to forward OG Anunoby this offseason, signing him to a five-year, $212.5 million contract, making him the highest-paid player on the team. Anunoby, who turned 27, was highly sought after in free agency and was being courted by multiple teams. The Knicks had to offer a substantial deal to retain him, having traded for him in a blockbuster move in December 2023. While this signing helps solidify the Knicks’ defensive capabilities, there are concerns about whether the team overpaid for Anunoby.
NBA analyst Eric Pincus from Bleacher Report has expressed skepticism about the deal, pointing out that Anunoby’s contract came in higher than what many in the industry anticipated. Pincus suggests that while Anunoby is a great fit for the Knicks, the size of his contract could lead to long-term regret. He explains that the deal has already had ripple effects on the team’s roster-building strategies, particularly with the Knicks losing out on re-signing center Isaiah Hartenstein.
Hartenstein was a key contributor for New York last season, and his departure could create a void in the Knicks’ frontcourt. The Oklahoma City Thunder signed Hartenstein to a three-year, $87 million contract, which was about $15 million more than what New York could have offered due to cap constraints. While it’s debatable whether the Knicks could have retained Hartenstein, Pincus argues that the decision to invest heavily in Anunoby might have limited the team’s ability to make other impactful moves.
On the flip side, there are strong arguments supporting the Knicks’ decision to prioritize Anunoby. Known as one of the top defenders in the NBA, Anunoby’s presence on the floor greatly improved New York’s defensive efficiency last season. His versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, making him a critical piece in the Knicks’ long-term plans. As he enters his prime, the Knicks are banking on Anunoby continuing to improve, especially offensively, where he has shown flashes of scoring potential.
Additionally, the Knicks avoided losing their cap space to a less promising deal, like the Philadelphia 76ers’ signing of Paul George, an older and more injury-prone star. From that perspective, the team’s choice to commit to Anunoby could be seen as a smarter allocation of resources, positioning them for future success.
Ultimately, while the size of Anunoby’s contract may have raised some eyebrows, if he continues to anchor the Knicks’ defense and elevates his game offensively, the long-term investment could prove worthwhile. The question remains whether New York will be able to balance their roster effectively around him, given their current financial commitments.
JMG
Leave a Reply