The New York Knicks are anticipated to fully guarantee Bojan Bogdanovic’s $19 million salary for the next season, according to SNY’s Knicks insider Ian Begley.
“I do think ultimately they will pick up that option,” Begley said on “The Putback” on June 18. “I don’t know if a decision has been made yet or if it’s been communicated yet, but I would think that they do pick it up because if you look at the avenues to improve the roster, it is through trade and you need a salary like Bogdanovic’s to include in a trade.”
While the Knicks are expected to pick up his team option, Bogdanovic’s return next season will depend on the team’s offseason moves. If a desired star trade isn’t available this offseason, the Knicks could retain Bogdanovic until the February trade deadline.
If no star trade materializes, bringing Bogdanovic back to play off the bench remains a solid option for the Knicks.
“On the court, I thought he started to play really well in the postseason. He started to get comfortable and hit some big shots off the Knicks bench. So he showed you how he can help you on the court,” Begley added.
In 29 games with the Knicks, Bogdanovic averaged 10.4 points and 2.0 rebounds while shooting 37% from three-point range. His three-point accuracy improved to 40% in the playoffs before he suffered a season-ending foot injury in the first round.
Begley also noted that keeping Bogdanovic could save the Knicks from having to include one of their core players with midsize salaries, such as Mitchell Robinson, Josh Hart, or Donte DiVincenzo, in a star trade.
### OG Anunoby ‘Not Thrilled’ With Knicks’ Offer
In addition to the decision on Bogdanovic, the Knicks face a more pressing matter with OG Anunoby. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst indicated that Anunoby’s return to New York isn’t guaranteed due to dissatisfaction with the Knicks’ offer.
“Another person who could, in theory, negotiate and get a contract done within hours of the end of the [NBA] Finals is OG Anunoby,” Windhorst said on ESPN’s “Get Up” on June 17. “Let’s keep an eye on that. Most people believe that Anunoby will stay with New York, but there have been indications that he may want to test the market because he’s not thrilled with what the Knicks are offering.”
The Knicks acquired Anunoby in exchange for former No. 3 pick RJ Barrett, 2023 6th Man of the Year finalist Immanuel Quickley, and a second-round pick. Anunoby’s arrival significantly improved the team, as evidenced by their 26-6 record with him in the lineup. Losing him would be a substantial blow for the Knicks.
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