Two-way star OG Anunoby has a player option this summer but he will obviously reject it to seek a long-term deal. The New York Knicks made a major trade this season to swap RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley for Anunoby and they will be interested in bringing him back. However, Anunoby is considering looking at other offers before making a decision.
Anunoby could receive a four-year deal of around $160 million this summer and if the player isn’t keen on what the Knicks have to offer, he could join one of the five best destinations.
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers would be an ideal destination for OG Anunoby if he rejects the Knicks’ offer. With ample cap space, the Sixers could present Anunoby with the most lucrative contract on the market, a 4-year deal worth $182 million. Only Paul Reed is the significant player under contract next season since the 76ers will almost certainly re-sign Maxey to a long-term max deal.
Joining forces with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey would create a formidable trio, positioning Anunoby as a high-impact player who could seamlessly replace Tobias Harris who is almost certainly out of the 76ers’ plans. The 76ers have been waiting all season for the summer period to arrive to start clearing their roster.
Anunoby’s ability to spot up for threes and deliver elite defense would complement Embiid’s dominance in the paint and Maxey’s dynamic playmaking, enhancing the Sixers’ chances of contending for a championship. While it won’t guarantee a title, the 76ers would be a lot closer than ever before with this acquisition.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder would be a strong contender for OG Anunoby if he turns down the Knicks’ offer. To make room for Anunoby, the Thunder might need to trade Josh Giddey and potentially Lu Dort this summer. Giddey has especially been involved in trade talks because of his poor performances in the playoffs this year, posting only 8.7 points and 2.1 assists per game.
Despite their second-round exit this season, OKC boasts a promising core with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren. Anunoby would fit seamlessly alongside Jalen Williams, enhancing the team’s versatility and defensive prowess. Given that Giddey is already considered the odd man out, swapping Dort for Anunoby would be a strategic upgrade, as Anunoby is a superior two-way player and shooter.
At 26, Anunoby aligns well with the Thunder’s young, talented roster, positioning them as a formidable force in the league. He has at least seven years at a very high level before decline starts to creep in, and that means the Thunder can revamp their starting lineup and make another Finals push next season.
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers would be an attractive destination for OG Anunoby if he rejects the Knicks’ offer. Despite being down 0-3 against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Pacers have made significant progress this season with Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam leading the charge.
Reuniting Siakam and Anunoby could form a dominant starting lineup, complemented by Andrew Nembhard and Myles Turner. To accommodate Anunoby, the Pacers might consider moving Benedict Mathurin and Jarace Walker to clear cap space and make sure the player is happy with the offer received. This means that the NBA’s number one offense could receive yet another boost.
Anunoby’s defensive prowess and offensive versatility would bolster the Pacers’ lineup, enhancing their chances of becoming a consistent contender in the Eastern Conference. Despite being a spot-up scorer, Anunoby averaged 14.7 points per game this season and is only getting better as an offensive player.
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic would be a compelling destination for OG Anunoby if he turns down the Knicks’ offer. With an exciting core led by All-Star Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, the Magic made an impressive playoff run, pushing the Cavaliers to seven games in the first round. Known for their 3rd ranked defense, the Magic could seamlessly integrate Anunoby into their system.
As the team likely moves on from Jonathan Isaac, Anunoby would be an ideal fit alongside Banchero, enhancing both their defensive and offensive capabilities. It is not often the Magic could acquire a major free agent signing but their play under head coach Jamahl Mosley has made the team relevant in the East.
Anunoby’s addition would not only solidify the Magic’s status as a formidable defensive team but also contribute significantly to their playoff ambitions. With Banchero, Anunoby, and Wagner along with Jalen Suggs, the Magic might only be one point guard away from being a real problem in the Eastern Conference.
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs would be an excellent destination for OG Anunoby if he declines the Knicks’ offer. Renowned for his elite defensive skills, Anunoby could thrive under Gregg Popovich’s system, which is known for maximizing players’ potential.
As a second star alongside Victor Wembanyama, Anunoby would have a unique opportunity to elevate his profile within the league. Popovich’s coaching could help Anunoby expand his game beyond the 3-and-D role, providing him the chance to prove he can be a star in his own right.
Joining the Spurs would not only enhance Anunoby’s individual growth but also bolster the team’s overall growth. Wembanyama and Anunoby would form one of the best defensive duos in the NBA, as both the perimeter and paint would be absolutely covered. Of course, the Spurs will have to compete with teams that had a far better record than them which could give them a disadvantage in the race for Anunoby.
