VIDEO: Knicks' Immanuel Quickley Reveals Expectations for 2023-24
Ever since this NBA offseason tipped off, New York Knicks guard Immanuel Quickley has constantly been in contract and free agency gossip. Quickley has reportedly said that he wants "nine figures over four years" regardless of which city he'll call home within the next couple of seasons.
The 24-year-old is a restricted free agent after this coming season, meaning the Knicks can match any offer he gets on the open market. But if it's the desired nine figures, New York may have a difficult time matching it. Nevertheless, Quickley would become a trade target for a lot of teams.
Despite all the contractual drama, Quickley took to Instagram on Sunday alongside content creator Corey Porter and posted a confident belief for next season, explaining how he's been preparing to win on and off the hardwood.
“My expectation for year four is to win," Quickley said as highlights of his offseason training flash by on the screen.
"Taking care of my body is a big part of my summer. I'm in the weight room about 5-to-6 times per week and I'm eating right. Then on the court, just working on pretty much everything, shooting, passing, ability to create for my teammates.”
Confidence from Quickley is certainly inspiring, but it likely won't be enough to fully diffuse rumors about his future. One anonymous NBA executive, for example believes that the Knicks should trade Quickley for "monster defender" OG Anunoby because his skills would be beneficial for a lot of teams.
"(Quickley) is not a great passer, he is not going to be a superb playmaker, but he is good and he’s a good rebounder,” the executive said. “He can play with speed, he is fast and he forces the rest of the team to play fast. That’s such an advantage when it is your guy pushing the action. He shot the ball consistently all last season. That’s probably the biggest question on him, the shooting, but he is answering that.”
Quickley averaged career highs in several major statistical categories last season, including 14.9 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. The Knicks signed former Goladen State Warriors shooting guard Donte DiVincenzo this offseason and his three-and-D play-style should mesh well with the 24-year-old's two-way abilities when they share the court.
If Quickley continues to stick with his offseason formula, that confidence could make him a major factor in the Knicks' success next season and also a potential favorite for the Sixth Man of the Year award.
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