Knicks Star Makes Decision on Player Option (Report)

New York Knicks star OG Anunoby has made the first decision about his future.

May 19, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) warms up before game seven of the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The first domino of the New York Knicks' offseason has fallen.

Per Fred Katz of The Athletic, OG Anunoby is declining his $19.9 million player option and will officially become a free agent. Such an option was included on the contract that came over from the Toronto Raptors in a late December trade.

Anunoby's move is hardly a surprise considering how much he proved his value over this past season: the Knicks posted a 26-5 record between the regular season and playoffs when he was in the lineup, though his first tour of Manhattan was interrupted by injuries. An elbow ailment took up a good part of his winter while he later endured a shoulder issue in the playoffs.

If it's any consolation, reports dictate that the Knicks remain committed to getting Anunoby back ... but that it will cost them a few pretty pennies.

"When the Knicks first acquired Anunoby, the belief was that he’d land a deal in the $30-35 million a year range annually," declared Michael Scott of HoopsHype. "Now, however, that value has gone up, starting at $35 million annually to his maximum starting salary for next season, sources said. New York remains committed to re-signing Anunoby, and despite the start to negotiations, the Knicks remain the favorite to keep Anunoby this summer in the eyes of rival executives."

Make sure you bookmark All Knicks for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

• Kayla Thornton Takes Flight From 3
• Liberty Rookie Shines in Expanded Minutes
• Brunson Cast-Free at Clark-Reese Showdown
• 2024 in Review: Precious Achiuwa
• Knicks Land Another Former Maverick