$160 Million Over Four Years? Really? Averaging 14+4+1, Yet Asking for the Highest Salary on the Team

According to various reports, OG Anunoby is seeking a four-year, $160 million max contract this summer. Yes, you read that correctly, an average annual salary of $40 million. This figure would place him among the top 20 highest-paid players in the league, comparable to Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis. To achieve this goal, Anunoby even played through injuries during the playoffs. The question remains: Is Anunoby worth that kind of money?

Personal Statistics:

In the regular season, Anunoby averaged 14.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game, with a shooting percentage of 49% and a three-point shooting percentage of 39%. In the playoffs, he improved slightly, averaging 15.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.89 steals, and 1 block per game, with a shooting percentage of 50.5% and a three-point shooting percentage of 41%. Anunoby is a highly effective wing player, boasting solid offensive skills with notable efficiency and aggressive defense. He is versatile and can defend multiple positions.

Team Impact:

Before Anunoby joined, the Knicks were a middle-of-the-pack team in the Eastern Conference, hovering around a 50% win rate. His addition transformed New York into a formidable force in the league. In the 23 games Anunoby played, the Knicks won 20, including sweeping the 76ers and defeating the reigning champion Nuggets. Against three Eastern Conference contenders—the Bucks, Celtics, and Heat—the Knicks emerged victorious in all their matchups. When Anunoby was on the court, the Knicks scored 7.5 more points per 100 possessions and allowed 14.5 fewer points per 100 possessions, underscoring his significance.

However, despite these impressive numbers, I still believe Anunoby does not merit a $160 million contract over four years. Let's consider his teammates for context. The team's leader, Jalen Brunson, an All-Star and a member of the All-NBA Second Team, is on a four-year, $104 million contract. Brunson is the heart and soul of the Knicks, consistently leading by example. During the playoffs, despite significant injuries to the team, the 6'1" guard carried New York past the first round with multiple 40+ point games. Brunson is both the leader and the backbone of this team.

The team's second option, Julius Randle, is another key player. A former All-NBA Second Team member, Randle consistently delivers 20+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 5+ assists per game. His contract is a four-year, $117 million deal. Anunoby, in contrast, seems more like the third option on the team, akin to Tobias Harris on the 76ers. He has the talent and can produce good numbers when given the opportunity, but he is primarily tasked with the dirty work and doesn't shine as brightly when the team is struggling, especially in the playoffs. When the pay does not match the contribution, it can lead to team discord.

If Anunoby wants to stay with the Knicks, the most reasonable salary for him would be around $30 million per year. This aligns with his role within the team. Other teams might also hesitate to offer a max contract because of Anunoby's injury history. Over the past few years, his availability has been inconsistent: he missed 34 games in the 2021-22 season, 15 games in the 2022-23 season, and 32 games in the 2023-24 season.

In conclusion, Anunoby should reconsider his pursuit of a $160 million contract. Sometimes it's better to take a reasonable offer rather than risk it all for an unlikely payday.