As the Knicks lick their wounds and regroup in the offseason, a majority of their core will remain intact heading into next season.
The biggest variable of the offseason is OG Anunoby, who was acquired from the Toronto Raptors at the end of 2023 and was a key piece in the Knicks’ scheme on offense and defense.
The dynamic stretch wing revolutionized New York as a whole and was a massive reason why the Knicks ended up as the two seed in the East.
Other than Anunoby, the Knickerbockers will return the rest of their starting lineup with Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, and Donte DiVincenzo all under contract through at least the 2025-26 season. It goes without saying that this Knicks team is being built to sustain long-term success. Assuming the health of everyone returning for the 2024-25 season, New York will be a top contender for years to come.
While the players returning are noteworthy, the players coming off the books will have far more impact on the future of the team.
Alec Burks has been underwhelming during his time with the team, never being able to find a consistent spot in the rotation. Coming over as a piece in the Bojan Bogdanovic trade, Burks was averaging over 12 points a game and playing 21 minutes a night.
Those numbers were slashed nearly in half under head coach Tom Thibodeau, as Burks dropped to 6.5 points per game and averaged less than 14 minutes a night. His $10 million coming off the books will provide the roster flexibility necessary to bring in smaller, impactful role players to bolster the roster.
Speaking of the Bogdanovic trade, Bogdanovic himself is set to have a cap hit of over $19 million next season. The veteran journeyman will be entering his 11th NBA season at the age of 35. While he never got serious rotation minutes, Bogdanovic could be a valuable piece to bring off the bench. Considering the value of his contract, the Knicks could move him around the trade deadline too if they want to continue to get younger and more athletic.
Last but not least, Precious Achiuwa’s contract will also be coming off the books as a restricted free agent. This means that for any contract Achiuwa seeks out in free agency, the Knicks will have a chance to match if they feel the value is worth it.
Originally drafted by the Miami Heat in 2020, Achiuwa provided significant depth at the big man position for a Knicks team that desperately needed it throughout the season. At only 24, Achiuwa has shown he could be a valuable rotation piece if the price is right.
The offseason has yet to begin officially, but the New York Knicks have many pending questions that will be answered in the coming months as they look to build a championship contender. The building blocks are in place, the culture has been established, and now it’s time to win the offseason.
