A recent update from an insider of the New York Knicks should provide optimism to fans that they may retain essential members of this season’s team for the 2024-25 season. The upcoming offseason for the Knicks promises to be compelling.
Having emerged as a top team in the Eastern Conference, the Knicks are increasingly seen as an attractive choice for players across the league. With a surplus of trade assets at their disposal, they are well-positioned to orchestrate a significant trade, further supplemented by holding three selections within the top 38 in this month’s NBA Draft.
Nevertheless, two key players from the previous season are set to become free agents in a couple of weeks. OG Anunoby, who played a vital role in their strong performance in the later part of the season, is anticipated to decline his current contract and attract attention from multiple teams in free agency, with the Philadelphia 76ers among the interested parties. Meanwhile, Isaiah Hartenstein is considered the premier player in his position available during the upcoming summer.
Hence, it is not certain that both players will return to the New York Knicks for the next season in their familiar orange and blue jerseys. Despite facing tough competition, Ian Begley, an insider for SNY Knicks, offered Knicks fans some hope that both Anunoby and Hartenstein might stay with the team, as mentioned in his column on Thursday.
Begley stated, “The Knicks are aware that both Anunoby and Hartenstein will be sought after by other teams. However, even with this knowledge, sources within the organization expressed confidence earlier in the offseason about potentially retaining both players as they head into free agency.” This insight was gathered from individuals connected to the team following their elimination in the second round of the playoffs by the Indiana Pacers.
What would be the financial commitment for the New York Knicks to retain Anunoby and Hartenstein? According to Begley, the team is anticipated to propose a five-year maximum contract of $245 million to the skilled 3-and-D specialist. As for the center, the Knicks are expected to offer a four-year deal at the maximum value they can offer, which is likely to be $72.5 million.
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