Key Takeaways:
– According to SNY’s report, New York Knicks’ plan to re-sign OG Anunoby could be disrupted by Philadelphia 76ers’ massive cap space.
– The 76ers are targeting Anunoby and Paul George in the offseason.
– If the Knicks retain Anunoby, it could result in the largest contract in franchise history.
– Despite the Sixers potential high bid, the Knicks offer numerous attractions to Anunoby, including increased off-court endorsements and a chance for a stronger championship run.
76ers’ Massive Summer Cap Space Troubles Anunoby’s Knicks Future
The New York Knicks are facing a daunting challenge in their bid to re-sign their key player OG Anunoby. With the Philadelphia 76ers boasting a significant cap space this offseason, Anunoby’s Knicks future hangs in the balance. According to Ian Begley of SNY, the 76ers view both Anunoby and Paul George as key targets in the upcoming games.
Is Anunoby the Sixers’ Backup Plan?
With reports circulating of George’s preference to remain in Los Angeles, Anunoby becomes an attractive second choice for the 76ers. Yossi Gozlan, a renowned Salary Cap expert formerly with Hoopshype, validated this sentiment in a recent YouTube address. Gozlan anticipates the 76ers leveraging their nearly $56 million cap space, as estimated by Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, to spook the Knicks with a hefty short-term max offer for Anunoby.
Potential Record-breaking Contract for Anunoby
This tug-of-war between the Knicks and 76ers could see Anunoby land a record-breaking contract. If he remains with the Knicks, Gozlan predicts Anunoby might sign a deal fetching between $35 to $40 million annually. This undoubtedly high price ticket only reflects the market trends for exemplary 3-and-D wings. Recent contracts like Mikal Bridges’ $90 million deal in 2021, Jaden McDaniels’ $136 million in 2023, and Jerami Grant’s $160 million in 2023 act as strong indicators. What’s more, Anunoby’s fresh contract can achieve a good run, considering the 10% rise in salary cap over the next few seasons due to the new TV rights deals.
Knicks’ Edge over the Sixers
Despite the 76ers’ potential offer, the Knicks possess certain advantages that may sway Anunoby. As a prominent media capital, New York promises to amplify Anunoby’s popularity and increase his potential off-the-court earnings. Bruno’s post-Dallas move, featuring a spike in endorsements, illustrates this point well.
Furthermore, the Knicks’ ability to dispatch the Sixers in six games without All-Star forward Julius Randle and an injured Mitchell Robinson, points towards their championship-taking competence. Since Anunoby’s January arrival, the Knicks held an impressive 14-2 record, indicating their potential for future success.
Lastly, Anunoby’s representation by Creative Artists Agency, which includes Sam Rose, the son of Knicks president Leon Rose, lets the Knicks keep a dialogue open.
As the NBA Finals concludes in June, teams can negotiate with their free agents as early as June 15, leaving us all to watch this dynamic scenario unfold.