A 2020 draft pick of the Miami Heat, Precious Achiuwa, now with the New York Knicks, recently re-signed with the team on a one-year, $6 million deal. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski confirmed the news Tuesday, finalizing Achiuwa’s return to the Knicks as an NBA free agent. The move was widely expected, especially as the free agent market has shrunk.
Achiuwa, known for his powerful rebounds, averaged 7.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.1 blocks per game last season. A five-star recruit out of high school, Achiuwa was traded to the Knicks from the Toronto Raptors, where he had career-best performances, averaging 9.2 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.
His return to the Knicks, along with OG Anunoby’s massive five-year, $212.5 million deal, pretty much rounds out the Knicks’ major offseason moves.
With Isaiah Hartenstein traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Knicks lost a key player but retained Achiuwa, who is not a minimum-contract player. However, Achiuwa’s return could impact Knicks center Mitchell Robinson, who will start the season.
Robinson has averaged 8.0 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game for his career, but Achiuwa’s presence could create competition for minutes.
Both Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau and Achiuwa preferred the giant’s role as a backup powerhouse behind Julius Randle last season. However, with Hartenstein gone, the 6-foot-8, 243-pound Achiuwa will likely have to serve as Robinson’s primary backup at center, with Jericho Sims rarely used behind him.
Achiuwa has given up his Bird veto ability, which usually allows a player to block any trade in the first year of a new deal. That means Achiuwa can now be traded at a later date, making him a flexible asset for the Knicks.
The 24-year-old is, to some extent, betting on himself. The contract may seem a bit team-friendly, but with Robinson’s injury history and Sims’ unproven status, Achiuwa could earn more playing time and re-enter free agency in 2025.