OG Anunoby unsatisfied with Knicks' offer, may test free agency

OKC Thunder eying short-term free agency deals? Michael Scotto: There’s a lot of intrigue around the OKC Thunder and Hartenstein, but I’ve heard OKC would look at doing short-term deals, most likely in free agency, if they’re going to make a move. The Knicks would have an advantage theoretically of going further down the line with that (offering more years). Stefan Bondy: If I were a betting man, I’d say he (Hartenstein) comes back. However, I’m not as confident saying that as OG Anunoby coming back. I reported about OKC’s interest, and I heard something similar to what you said about a short-term deal. There’s speculation OKC would offer him something in the realm of two years, $50 million with an opt-out in the second year, which is something like Bruce Brown got. -via HoopsHype / June 17, 2024

Michael Scotto: The leaguewide expectation is that OG Anunoby will return to the Knicks. The question is, for how much? From executives I’ve talked to around the league, Anunoby’s floor appears to be $35 million, and his ceiling is a max contract. Philadelphia will be looking for a 3-and-D small forward and has the max cap space to make the offer if they believe they’ll miss out on their top target, Paul George. Two general managers told me they’d pay Anunoby $35 million annually and that a max would be tough because of his injury history. -via HoopsHype / June 17, 2024

One thing worth noting on both Anunoby and Hartenstein: The Knicks obviously know that both players will garner strong interest from opposing teams. But even factoring that in, members of the organization felt earlier in the offseason that they were in a good place on both Anunoby and Hartenstein as both players approach their free agencies. That’s according to people in touch with the team after their season ended in a second round loss to Indiana. -via SportsNet New York / June 13, 2024