76ers could steal Knicks’ star defensive wing in free agency

According to SNY’s Ian Begley, the Philadelphia 76ers could emerge as a candidate to sign Anunoby in free agency. The Knicks defeated the 76ers in the first round of the playoffs this year 4-2.

“As previously reported, members of the Philadelphia 76ers have seen Anunoby as an offseason target,” Begley wrote. “Paul George is also a target for Philadelphia. But if the Sixers can’t get George, I could see them making a big offer to Anunoby – if for no other reason than it would force New York to match the money.”

The Knicks’ main goal this summer is to bring back Anunoby

The Knicks have a relatively simple game plan this summer: retain Anunoby and fellow free agent Isaiah Hartenstein, and free up cap space. Given that their ceiling is sky high with a fully healthy roster, they may have all the missing pieces available if they are able to re-sign the players that were most impactful to their success this past season. The Sixers, meanwhile, will be hunting for the best available wing players now that Tobias Harris is entering free agency.

Two-way wings like Anunoby, L.A.’s Paul George, and Brooklyn’s Mikal Bridges would fit both teams well, and they would serve as the potential third piece to a big three formation for both teams.

Anunoby has a player option for next season, though it is likely he will decline it to seek a lucrative payday. He is widely expected to reach a long-term deal in the range of $140-$150 million in terms of total value. His impact on the Knicks was humongous, as the team was 26-6 in games he played with them this year, and 14-17 in the games he missed since acquiring him (including playoffs), so bringing him back will be at the top of the Knicks’ offseason wishlist.

The Knicks and Sixers could engage in a bidding war for Anunoby

Being that he is an elite two-way wing with great catch-and-shoot abilities, he is certainly going to be one of the more sought after free agents this summer, especially after the instantaneous impact he provided upon being traded. It is likely that the Knicks and Sixers will be in a bidding war for him, and they both could be in the running to acquire Paul George as well.

As if more needed to be added to what has quickly become a heated rivalry between the two franchises, expect both teams to aggressively pursue the top targets in both the trade market and free agency, with Anunoby being one of those top targets.