In a surprising twist, the New York Knicks have apparently traded for Brooklyn Nets player Mikal Bridges, giving up Bojan Bogdanovic and numerous draft picks in the exchange. Nevertheless, even with this significant upgrade, the Knicks are still committed to extending the contract of impending free agent OG Anunoby, as sources familiar with the matter have disclosed.
The Knicks’ acquisition of Bridges, who has $48.2 million left on his contract over two years, is definitely a major victory. The 26-year-old wing has proven to be a skilled player on both offense and defense, excelling in defending and scoring when coming off the bench. Nevertheless, the Knicks’ interest in retaining Anunoby indicates that they view the 27-year-old Canadian wing as a vital component in their pursuit of a championship.
Anunoby played a key role in the Knicks’ impressive 20-3 regular season record while he was on the team. He had a significant impact in their win against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the playoffs and played a crucial role in their victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the second round. Regrettably, a hamstring injury caused him to sit out a considerable amount of time in that series, ultimately resulting in the Knicks being knocked out.
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The question presently is if Anunoby will opt to remain with the Knicks or consider different possibilities in free agency. Now that Bridges is part of the team, it is evident that Anunoby’s compatibility with the team is not as important as it used to be. Nevertheless, the Knicks’ commitment to retaining him indicates their belief in his importance to their championship ambitions, as well as his strong rapport with their key players.
Even though Bridges, who plays a position similar to Anunoby, is on the team, the Knicks have emphasized their appreciation for Anunoby’s distinctive skills and contributions. His skill in defending at a high level and delivering scoring off the bench is extremely valuable, especially in a league where depth and flexibility are becoming more crucial.
It is still uncertain if Anunoby will decide to re-sign with the Knicks or look at different opportunities in free agency. There are probably other teams interested in his services, and it’s uncertain what the Knicks will offer him. However, one certainty remains: returning to New York would greatly benefit a team eager to go far in the playoffs.
The Knicks have made a strong move by adding Bridges, but their journey to a championship is still ongoing. Reintroducing OG Anunoby would be a significant development in that plan, but its success can only be determined with time.