According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, Anunoby hinted during courtship with his agency last summer that he might get less money if he ended up in New York, a big market that would provide him with the platform to achieve stardom.
“The Knicks did not acquire Anunoby without understanding his financial considerations. Anunoby held meetings with several agencies last offseason when he decided to leave Klutch Sports, telling potential representatives he was interested in a larger offensive role that would be commensurate with a salary figure of around $40 million in average annual value, league sources said. However, Anunoby left potential agents with the impression that he would be willing to accept a lower sum if he landed in New York, the sources said. And it is relevant to note that the Indiana product ultimately signed with CAA, which has deep ties to New York leadership,” Fischer wrote.
According to ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks, on June 30 next year, Anunoby will be eligible to sign a four-year extension worth $117 million or about $30 million in average annual value.