Jalen Brunson, the All-Star point guard for the New York Knicks, received a lot of praise when he signed a four-year contract worth $156.5 million this summer instead of signing one longer, which would have cost him $113 million more. However, OG Anunoby’s five-year contract worth $212.5 million was overlooked. Amin Elhassan, an ESPN analyst and former Phoenix Suns executive, called Anunoby’s contract one of the worst in the league.
Speaking on Sirius XM radio, Elhassan added, “I’m not saying OG Anunoby’s not good.” “I’m not saying that he doesn’t deserve a lot of the Knicks’ success.”
Last season, the Knicks went 26–6 with Anunoby starting. However, after joining the team in a midseason trade last December, he has also missed 27 games.
Elhassan remarked, “I’m saying you have to protect yourself somewhere when you’re guaranteeing every last dollar of $212 million to a guy who’s been extremely injury-prone, including this awesome season you just had with him where he missed a bunch of time.”
Nevertheless, Anunoby’s deal with the Knicks did not contain a team option or an injury clause.
I think in a perfect world, he earns every last dollar of his contract,” Elhassan said. “But, alas, we don’t live in a perfect world
OG Anunoby in Free Agency Was “Threatened to Leave,” Per Report
In order to remain in the NBA’s largest media market, Anunoby utilized his clout to negotiate his maximum contract this offseason.
“Anunoby threatened to leave the Knicks in free agency just months after they acquired” him from the Toronto Raptors, according to Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News.
In exchange for Anunoby, the Knicks lost Immanuel Quickley, a 2023 finalist for Sixth Man of the Year, previous No. 3 overall pick RJ Barrett, and a second-round pick (via Detroit), which ultimately resulted in the 31st overall selection, Jonathan Mogbo.
Anunoby knew the Knicks could not replace him if he walked, so he played his cards well.
The Philadelphia 76ers were the Knicks’ biggest threat to sign Anunoby as their top target Paul George was eyed by the Golden State Warriors in a spirited effort in the days leading to the start of free agency.
“With no cap space to sign free agents and having sacrificed key players to acquire their star forward, the Knicks eventually caved, and Anunoby secured the richest deal in franchise history: five years, $212.5 million,” Winfield wrote.
OG The “Head-Scratching” Deal with Anunoby
Anunoby’s contract has every conceivable perk, including a trade kicker and a player option in the final year. Former Brooklyn Nets assistant general manager and current ESPN front office expert Bobby Marks called the agreement “head-scratching.”
On July 11, Marks tweeted, “Re-signing Anunoby was a smart move, before Knicks fans worry too much.” Anunoby led the Knicks to a 20-3 record during the regular season. The forward is regarded as one of the best defenders in the NBA. In addition, he is at the height of his powers; on July 17, he turns 27.
Like Elhassan, Marks identified Anunoby’s durability as the primary factor that could make his contract an albatross. “The Anunoby contract is in the head-scratching section comes down to two issues: the 15% trade bonus and the fact that all five years of the contract are fully guaranteed,” Marks said. “The Knicks could point to a contract that will age nicely, especially with the salary cap expected to increase 10% annually for the foreseeable future. The $42.5 million salary in Year 3 is below the maximum salary for a player with six years or less of experience. However, Anunoby’s durability continues to be a concern, having averaged 50 games over the previous four seasons.”
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