Even before OG Anunoby was scheduled to become a free agent, the New York Knicks were the favorites to re-sign the forward. He fit in with the team too well, and his instant influence propelled them into the running for the championship. He turned into a man they were unable to lose.
OG Anunoby nearly left the Knicks at the start of the offseason
It wasn’t as straightforward to keep him as it might have appeared. According to Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News, the forward whom the Knicks traded two significant players for in December almost left for another opportunity in free agency.
Winfield reported, “Anunoby considered leaving the Knicks in free agency shortly after joining them.”
The Philadelphia 76ers, who were rumored to be very interested in Anunoby, were the team the Knicks beat in the first round of the playoffs this season. After the Knicks managed to secure Anunoby with a five-year, $212 million contract before he hit the open market, the 76ers responded by signing superstar Paul George. Now, both teams are gearing up to challenge the Boston Celtics for the Eastern Conference title.
Anunoby was the Knicks’ most impactful player last season
The significance of Anunoby to the Knicks cannot be overstated. He provides them with a defensive edge that makes them one of the most formidable teams in the league. Last season, including the playoffs, the Knicks had a record of 26-6 in games he played and 31-32 in games he did not, including before the trade. Despite the limited number of games, Anunoby’s plus-minus for the regular season with New York was +353, ranking fourth in the NBA since January 1.
Along with re-signing Anunoby, the Knicks also acquired Mikal Bridges through a trade earlier this summer, creating one of the most fearsome defensive duos in the league. Having these two players guard the best opponents is a significant advantage for the Knicks.
However, they did face a setback this offseason when Isaiah Hartenstein signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder, weakening their center depth. Although replacing Hartenstein’s production is challenging, it is less difficult than replacing Anunoby’s impact. Overall, the Knicks came out ahead this offseason by retaining the player who had the most significant effect on their performance last season.
Could the Knicks look for a strong replacement for their 3-time All-Star power forward in a potential trade?
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