NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The New York Knicks played with the heart of a champion but their bodies betrayed them in the end. Now, it’s up to the front office to keep this team rolling and that means hard and pricey decisions.
The first order of business is what will happen with OG Anunoby? He has a Player Option and the Knicks must do whatever they can to keep him in the Big Apple. If not, the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, and others will come crawling. The Knicks cannot afford to lose him.
With reports that Anunoby will decline his option and hit the market, there is a good chance that another team can swoop in and take him. If that happens, the Knicks will be forced to pivot elsewhere. Losing Anunoby will be huge. There are not many top-tier free agents available and currently, there is not a player on the Knicks roster they can plug into the lineup who brings what he does.
Next up on their list is Isaiah Hartenstein. With Mitchell Robinson hobbled for most of the season and the playoffs, it was Hartenstein who held things down in the post. Losing him would be catastrophic but keeping him would hit the Knicks’ wallet pretty hard, especially if they resign OG.
Will The New York Knicks Run It Back
Then they have to consider what to do with Bojan Bogdanovic. He’s set to make $19M for the 24-25 season and while he’s a great shooter, are the Knicks looking forward to keeping that large contract for a bench player?
Then, comes the big one. Do they trade or keep Julius Randle? Yes, he’s been the New York Knicks’ go-to guy for years but with the run they just had with him sidelined, plus the growth and leadership of Jalen Brunson does the front office believe they can move him for valuable assets? He can bring in a nice haul plus his departure will make room for Josh Hart and Bogdanovic in the starting unit and free up some cap space.
For the New York Knicks, this is what happens when you win or show great effort. Now comes the time to pay the guys who helped you get there. But one thing is clear. Keeping this core together will be expensive. But there is no way the front office can turn their back on this unit after watching their run this season and then give up on them.
We’ve heard it countless times over the years. When the New York Knicks are playing good basketball, it means everything to the NBA. Despite the outcome of this season, the players did their part. It’s on the shoulders of the front office to make sure this team stays relevant and is not a one-season wonder.
