Knicks' Complete Free Agency Preview and Predictions Before 2024 NBA Draft

For a while, it felt like the free-agency portion of the 2024 NBA offseason would be pretty straightforward for the New York Knicks.

Turns out, that maybe isn't the case.

First, Isaiah Hartenstein played at such a high level that he potentially priced himself out of the Empire State. Then, ESPN's Brian Windhorst brought word that OG Anunoby isn't "thrilled" with the Knicks' current offer and "may want to test the market."

Could this team be headed toward some unexpected twists and turns, then? Or will this just wind up being some early noise that doesn't actually prevent free agency from following the Knicks' plan? After previewing New York's free-agent class, we'll predict what lies ahead for Hartenstein, Anunoby and the Knicks.

Free Agents

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CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 09: Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the New York Knicks and OG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks react during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on April 9,2024 in Chicago. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

While the Knicks find themselves on the right side of the luxury-tax line for now, per capsheets.com, that may not be the case much longer if they hope to retain some of their free agents.

And there are plenty of them.

Ten different Knicks are potential free agents. Hartenstein, Alec Burks and Shake Milton are all unrestricted free agents with complete control of their situations. Anunoby will have that whenever he makes the easy decision to decline his $19.9 million player option, per Spotrac. Jericho Sims and DaQuan Jeffries both have team options. Finally, restricted free agency awaits Precious Achiuwa, along with New York's two-way contract players Jacob Toppin, Charlie Brown Jr. and Duane Washington Jr.

There almost certainly isn't a scenario in which all 10 players return to the team, but clearly there are a few priority players among this group. If the Knicks had it their way, both Hartenstein and Anunoby would be back with the blue and orange. But is that what our crystal ball envisions?

Prediction: OG Anunoby Gets Near-Max Money from the Knicks

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NEW YORK, NY - MAY 8: OG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket during the game against the Indiana Pacers during Round 2 Game 2 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 8, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

Lost in the virality of Windhorst's report on Anunoby's reaction to New York's initial was the most important part: "Most people believe Anunoby will stay with New York."

Remember, this is the negotiation phase of the process. And even though the Knicks tipped their hands about wanting to keep him by giving up two apparent building blocks to get him (Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett), there are still things to negotiate.

From New York's standpoint, availability is a real concern. Anunoby has only topped the 50-game mark once in the past four seasons. From the swingman's standpoint, he was all-caps AWESOME when he suited up. His elite defense and low-maintenance offense perfectly fit the puzzle for the Knicks, who went a blistering 20-3 in the regular season when he suited up.

The Knicks will want those absences factored into his deal. Anunoby will want the contract to reflect his absurd impact. Conversations could get uncomfortable. Still, the likeliest ending to this story is his re-signing with the team he helped transform, probably at a number in the same zip code as the max he is eligible to receive.

Prediction: Isaiah Hartenstein Stays (and Mitchell Robinson Goes)

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NEW YORK, NY - MAY 8: Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers during Round 2 Game 2 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 8, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

New York's season could've spiraled out of control when starting center Mitchell Robinson suffered a stress fracture in his ankle in December. Hartenstein is a major reason why the Knicks not only survived Robinson's lengthy absence, but found a way to thrive without their bouncy big man.

The question now is whether Hartenstein was so good that he made himself unaffordable for New York.

The Knicks have his Early Bird Rights, but that only allows them to offer a four-year, $72.5 million deal. He could find more green elsewhere, as Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer reported some inside the Association think he could fetch between $80 million and $100 million.

That feels rich who isn't a shooter or high-end shot-blocker, though, and some of the win-now teams with money to spend—like the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic—seem set at center. Look for New York to keep Hartenstein, likely at the maximum it's allowed to offer, and then to shop around Robinson to avoid owing eight-figure salaries to two centers at once.