Free agent forward OG Anunoby is set to rejoin the New York Knicks on a lucrative five-year, $212.5 million contract, according to sources close to the negotiations reported by Adrian Wojnarowski.
The deal will feature a player option and a trade kicker, providing Anunoby with flexibility and additional benefits.
Anunoby’s return to the Knicks comes after they acquired him in a trade earlier this year, parting ways with RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley in a move aimed at bolstering their wing positions. He will now join recently acquired Mikal Bridges in a revamped starting lineup for the upcoming season.
During his initial stint with the Knicks, Anunoby made a significant impact, helping the team achieve a 12-2 record in the 14 games he played before injuries sidelined both him and Julius Randle following a game against the Miami Heat on Jan. 27.
Throughout the season, Anunoby, who will turn 27 in July, battled injuries, missing 27 of the Knicks’ next 30 games due to an elbow issue before suffering a hamstring injury in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Indiana Pacers.
Known for his defensive prowess, Anunoby has established himself as one of the NBA’s top perimeter defenders. In the past season, he averaged 14.7 points and 4.2 rebounds across 50 games split between the Knicks and the Toronto Raptors.
Additionally, he showcased his ability as a proficient 3-point shooter, making 38% of his attempts while averaging more than five per game.
Combining his regular season and playoff contributions for New York, Anunoby played a pivotal role in the team’s success, contributing to a 26-6 record across 32 games.