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After years of underperforming and disappointment, the New York Knicks finally pulled the plug on RJ Barrett.
It became painfully evident that Barrett wasn’t star-player material, or at least, he would never fulfill his apparent potential in the Big Apple.
They used him as a trade chip to land OG Anunoby, who was a seamless fit for Tom Thibodeau’s team.
Nonetheless, that was always a risky bet, as he was in the final year of his contract and would become a free agent shortly after.
The Knicks want to retain him at all costs, and judging by a report by Mike Scotto of HoopsHype, that cost is going to be quite steep (via NBA Central).
The starting bidding price for OG Anunoby is now expected to be $35 million annually, per @MikeAScotto
“When the Knicks first acquired Anunoby, the belief was that he’d land a deal in the $30-35 million a year range annually, league sources told HoopsHype. Now, however, that… pic.twitter.com/2WWs2TUK1O
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 24, 2024
Apparently, the bidding for the wing will start at a whopping $35 million per year.
Per the report, the Knicks always knew they would have to pay $30 to $35 million to keep him, but it seems like his price has gone up after his great play to close out the season.
Anunoby was a plug-and-play guy for Thibodeau, and he played heavy minutes upon his arrival until suffering a hamstring injury in the playoffs.
He’s one of the best wing defenders in the game, and he’s made big strides as a three-point shooter as well.
So, even though defensive-oriented players usually don’t get as much money as those who put up points on the scoreboard, he could be the X-factor this team needs to get over the hump once and for all, and after all they gave up to get him, they will just have to pay him now.
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