Drafted in 2020 by the Miami Heat, Precious Achiuwa, now with the New York Knicks, recently re-signed with the team on a one-year, $6 million contract. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski confirmed the news on Tuesday, finalizing Achiuwa’s return to the Knicks as an NBA free agent. This move was widely expected, especially as the free-agent market had dwindled.
Achiuwa, known for his strong rebounding, averaged 7.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game last season. A high-school five-star recruit, Achiuwa was traded to the Knicks from the Toronto Raptors, where he had his career-high performance, averaging 9.2 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.
His return to the Knicks, alongside the massive five-year, $212.5 million deal inked by OG Anunoby, essentially completes the Knicks’ major offseason moves.
Mitchell Robinson Affected by Achiuwa’s Return
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 might have an impact on Knicks center Mitchell Robinson, who will enter the season as the starter.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Precious Achiuwa, Mitchell Robinson, Jericho Sims, New York Knicks Updates
Robinson’s career has seen him average 8.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, but Achiuwa’s presence could create competition for minutes.
Both Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau and Achiuwa preferred the big man’s role to be as a backup power forward behind Julius Randle last season. However, with Hartenstein’s departure, the 6-foot-8, 243-pound Achiuwa will likely have to serve as Robinson’s primary backup at center, with little-used Jericho Sims behind him.
Achiuwa has waived his Bird veto ability, which usually allows a player to block any trade in the first year of a new deal. This means Achiuwa can now be dealt at a later date, making him a flexible asset for the Knicks.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Precious Achiuwa, Mitchell Robinson, Jericho Sims, New York Knicks Updates
The 24-year-old is, to some extent, gambling on himself. The contract might appear somewhat team-friendly, but with Robinson’s injury history and Sims’ unproven status, Achiuwa could seize increased playing time and reenter free agency in 2025.
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