Anunoby Rejects Knicks Player Option, Becomes Unrestricted Free Agent

On June 25, it was reported that OG Anunoby, having declined the $19.9 million player option with the New York Knicks, has become a free agent. At 26 years old, Anunoby has logged seven NBA seasons, averaging 14.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game during his time with both the Toronto Raptors and the Knicks in the 2022-23 season.

Last year, the Knicks traded RJ Barrett, Emmanuel Quikley, and a 2024 second-round pick to acquire Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Marquise Flaherty from Toronto. In December 2020, Anunoby signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the Raptors, which included a player option for the 2024-25 season. With six seasons in Toronto, Anunoby played a key role, helping the team win the 2019 NBA Finals and earning a spot on the All-Defensive Second Team in 2023. During the 2022-23 campaign, he led the league in steals with an average of 1.9 per game.

The Raptors traded Anunoby during a losing season (12 wins and 19 losses), knowing that he might opt out. The trade was significant given Anunoby’s potential departure. The Knicks, who had long coveted him, are striving to become an elite Eastern Conference team under Jalen Brunson. The mid-season turmoil signals the Knicks’ championship push under Brunson’s leadership.

This season, Anunoby averaged 14.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game for the Knicks, with a remarkable improvement in his value while on the team. It is no surprise that he chose to test the open market. Anunoby is expected to secure a lucrative contract commensurate with his performance.