Woj: Knicks ‘Determined’ to Sign Anunoby to Contract amid Rumored Mikal Bridges Trade

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIJune 26, 2024

Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

The New York Knicks are still “determined” to re-sign impending free-agent wing OG Anunoby despite reportedly landing Brooklyn Nets wing Mikal Bridges via trade Tuesday evening.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that news, which was also relayed by SNY’s Ian Begley and Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix:

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespnThe Knicks are still determined to keep OG Anunoby in free agency, sources tell ESPN, but the ability to resign center Isaiah Hartenstein becomes more difficult now. The Knicks are loading up on wings to match up with the NBA champion Boston Celtics.

Ian Begley @IanBegleyTold that Knicks’ trade for Mikal Bridges does not change their hope that they can re-sign free agent OG Anunoby. That remains a priority for the club.

Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannixNew York intends to be aggressive in re-signing Anunoby, a source told @SInow. Bridges is not viewed as an OG replacement but another weapon in what could be a stingy Knicks defense. https://t.co/pNQ7L6WJ3E

Per Wojnarowski, the Knicks have agreed to trade Bojan Bogdanovic, “four unprotected picks (2025, 2027, 2029, 2031), a 2025 protected Milwaukee first, a 2028 unprotected pick swap and a 2025 second-round pick” for Bridges plus a 2026 second-round pick.

The Knicks went 20-3 when Anunoby played for them in the regular season. They won their first-round series with the Philadelphia 76ers with him aboard.

They won Game 1 of their second-round series with the Indiana Pacers, and then Anunoby had 28 points in 28 minutes before suffering a right hamstring strain. He played five minutes for the rest of the series, trying to play in Game 7 before his injury prevented him from doing so. The Knicks lost that game 130-109 and the series 4-3.

Even though the Knicks now reportedly have Bridges, who has two years and $48.2 million left on his deal and also played the wing like Anunoby, it’s clear why the Knicks want OG back. Simply put, they were highly successful with him aboard, and having him and Bridges on the same team only makes the Knicks stronger.

Of course, it takes two to tango, and the price and fit have to be right for Anunoby. He’s also bound to have other interest from suitors in free agency.

Ultimately, the Knicks have made a massive move in hopes of winning their first NBA championship since 1973, and bringing Anunoby back would be a huge win for the team in search of that goal.