OG Anunoby's CAA connections could lead to team-friendly extension for Knicks?
The New York Knicks have acquired OG Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors, along with Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn. Anunoby, 26, has a player option on his contract for next season worth $19.9 million but is widely expected to opt out of his deal after dramatically improving throughout the course of his contract.
As such, the Knicks are now on the clock. After giving up two impressive young talents, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, the front office must agree to terms on a new contract to keep their latest addition around long-term. According to Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer, Anunoby is represented by CAA, an agency that has "deep connections" within the Knicks franchise. As such, there's a belief that negotiations will be smooth sailing and that Anunoby could lower his expectations in terms of yearly salary.
"Anunoby held meetings with several agencies this past offseason when he decided to leave Klutch Sports, telling potential representation he was interested in a larger offensive role that would be commensurate with a salary figure in the ballpark of $40 million in average annual value, league sources told Yahoo Sports," Fischer wrote. "However, Anunoby did leave those potential agents with the impression he would be willing to accept a smaller figure if he were to have landed in New York, sources said. And it’s relevant to note the Indiana product did ultimately sign with CAA, which has deep connections to New York leadership."
It's unlikely that the Knicks front office agreed to a trade without having held conversations with Anunoby about re-signing long-term. In fact, the odds are that there's already a framework in place. New York gave up too much young talent to simply be rolling the dice on whether they can secure Anunoby beyond the current season.
Still, every trade comes with risks. Verbal agreements aren't set in stone. Things change. The Knicks will likely be working on getting a contract extension sent over to Anunoby at the earliest opportunity. Yes, the basketball side of the trade makes sense. Now, the front office needs to tie up the loose ends from a business standpoint. Fortunately, having connections with Anunoby's agency will help smooth things over and speed a deal along. It's doubtful we will have to wait for too long before a contract extension is announced.
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