Raptors' O.G. Anunoby Leaving Klutch Sports - Knicks Interested?
Per NBA Insider Marc Stein, Toronto Raptors forward O.G. Anunoby is leaving Klutch Sports to pursue a new agent ahead of the final year of his contract. Anunoby is due $18.6 million next season and has a $20 million player for 2024-25.
The New York Knicks have been interested in Anunoby, set to turn 26 next month, since January and were reportedly willing to offer Toronto multiple first-round picks for him.
New York's offseason addition of Jalen Brunson was a huge major factor in a 2023 playoff run, but an improved defense might've been even more impactful.
In last season's averages, the Knicks finished seventh in points against (111.5), third in opponent shooting percentage (45.9), eighth in defensive rebounding (33.8), but 26th in steals (6.5).
Anunoby, however, had 128 steals last season and averaged a league-best 1.9 per game, qualifying for the top total mark despite missing 15 games. Anunoby earned a spot on the NBA All-Defensive Second Team at the end of the year.
The Indiana alum's career season appears to have given him the motivation to find a new agent to create talks for a much more lucrative contract or trade. Moving on from Klutch could also redraw the Knicks' interest, as one of the agency's clients, Zach LaVine, reportedly didn't want to play for former CAA agent and Knicks president Leon Rose.
New York can probably afford him and they've already shown interest at last year's trade deadline. Adding Anunoby could make this defense the one that opposing teams hate to face.
With friendlier management, the Knicks might come calling again.
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