Key Takeaways:
– New York Knicks are optimistic about re-signing OG Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein.
– Philadelphia 76ers and Oklahoma City Thunder pose potential threats to Knicks’ plans.
– Anunoby could fetch between $35 and $40 million annually on his next deal.
– The maximum offer Knicks can make to Hartenstein is capped at $72.5 million over four years due to his Early Bird Rights.
New York Knicks Desperate to Keep Their Stars
The New York Knicks have a clear offseason priority – getting OG Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein to re-sign. As per SNY’s Ian Begley, the team is hopeful about their odds with both these vital players.
Members of the Knicks have expressed positivity despite the anticipation of counter-offers from other teams for Anunoby and Hartenstein. These expressions came following their second-round loss to Indiana last season, thus indicating that the team is ready to move forward.
Anunoby Looking for a Bank-Breaking Deal
Anunoby is expected to attract heavy interest, not just from the Knicks but from rivals as well. The former is set to become the new standard-setter for elite 3-and-D players, with forecasts suggesting the next contract could see him earning between $35 and $40 million annually. Heavy Sports’ Sean Deveney in March reported that an Eastern Conference General Manager predicted a possible four-year, $160 million deal for Anunoby, turning heads around the league.
Apart from the Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers see Anunoby as a potential offseason scoop. Although their first preference is Paul George of the Los Angeles Clippers, eyes could turn to Anunoby should George decide to stay.
The Sixers are reported to have nearly $56 million in cap space and are offering Anunoby an important role next to last season’s MVP Joel Embiid and Most Improved Player of the Year Tyrese Maxey.
The Knicks, however, are not without their advantages. The team’s New York location, known for its large media influence, could spike Anunoby’s off-the-court earnings with endorsements. The team’s impressive 26-6 record with Anunoby also bodes well for their chances of contention next season.
Threat to Knicks’ Intentions for Hartenstein
While the Knicks are focused on retaining Anunoby, Isaiah Hartenstein is another critical piece of their puzzle. The latter, however, could see a bid from the Oklahoma City Thunder, who could offer him a potentially life-changing deal. With the Thunder expected to have a cap space of $33 million, the Knicks face a daunting task of winning Hartenstein over with their maximum offer of $72.5 million over four years due to his Early Bird Rights.
Hartenstein had expressed earlier that he would prefer to stay in New York, given equal pay. However, the Thunder’s offer could dramatically shift the dynamics in their favor.
Will the Knicks be successful in their struggle to hold onto their top players, keeping them from the grasp of competing teams, or will they have to rebuild their roster? Only time will tell as we wait for the next development in this thrilling offseason drama.