Recent reports reveal that OG Anunoby is not expected to start next season for the New York Knicks after he declined his player option. Some NBA fans might be aware that OG was with the Toronto Raptors till midway through last season. He was traded to the Knicks and helped the team finish with the second-best record in the Eastern Conference.
In a league where a great deal of importance is given to the offensive end of the court, OG is a defensive force and anchored the Knicks as a lockdown defense-type team. Although he was injured and missed the majority of the playoffs, OG still played a significant role in his team’s success last season.
BREAKING: OG Anunoby is declining his player option and entering free agency, per @FredKatz pic.twitter.com/16Q8lap9Rs
β NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 24, 2024
While Knicks fans would certainly want him to stay with the team, one must wonder what other teams would be interested in adding him to their roster if he decides to part ways with his current squad.
The Los Angeles Lakers could use OG Anunoby and his defensive skillset
One team that is undoubtedly in dire need of making changes and upgrades to their roster would be the Los Angeles Lakers. After all, they were eliminated in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs and have a long way to go if they wish to contend for an NBA championship.
Heβs a Laker omg
β Truth (@TruthTakes_) June 24, 2024
Numerous experts have criticized the lack of defense that the Lakers have and adding OG Anunody to their roster certainly resolves those issues. However, the new rules regarding roster construction might make it difficult for the Lakers to add OG to their roster especially if he is looking for a max contract.
The Philadelphia 76ers have enough salary space to offer OG a contract
The Philadelphia 76ers are one of the few teams in contention that have enough cap space to offer OG Anunoby a max contract. They could certainly use him given that the team was eliminated by the New York Knicks last season.
Sixer pic.twitter.com/Pa2pqIukRN
β Dunkadelphia (@PhillyDunk) June 24, 2024
Adding Anunoby to a roster with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey raises the ceiling for the 76ers quite drastically. Since the team has a limited championship window with Joel Embiid in his prime, it would make the most sense for them to acquire a star like OG.
OG could try leading a team like the Detroit Pistons to relevancy
Compared to the majority of young stars in the league, OG Anunoby does not have the pressure of looking to join a team that can help him win an NBA championship. After all, he was part of the 2019 Toronto Raptors and already has a championship ring.
Please come to Detroit pic.twitter.com/KqDFL4tdEX
β Cades Attorney πΌπ¨πΎβπΌ (@CadesAttorney) June 24, 2024
Therefore, it is also possible for him to join a team like the Detroit Pistons and bring the team back to relevance with him as their main star. That also allows him to get the most money from the team and try his hand at being a leader. In any case, fans are left wondering which team will end up signing Anunoby before the season begins.