On Tuesday, July 30, the New York Knicks revealed that they have re-signed backup forward Precious Achiuwa.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Achiuwa’s new one-year contract is worth $6 million. Notably, the 6-foot-8 Achiuwa has waived his no-trade clause, which has sparked speculation since his contract could make him a potential trade asset for the Knicks as the February deadline approaches. Achiuwa will be eligible for trades starting December 15, according to SNY’s Ian Begley.
By combining Achiuwa’s salary with that of Miles McBride ($4.7 million) or a new acquisition using the $5.2 million taxpayer midlevel exception, the Knicks could potentially acquire a player in the $11 to $12 million salary range.
Veteran centers in that price bracket include Mo Wagner of the Orlando Magic ($11 million), Ivica Zubac of the Los Angeles Clippers ($11.7 million), Robert Williams III of the Portland Trail Blazers ($12.4 million), and Steven Adams of the Houston Rockets ($12.6 million).
Achiuwa was obtained by the Knicks from the Toronto Raptors in the same trade that brought in Anunoby during the 2023-24 season. While he didn’t have the same impact as Anunoby, he still made valuable contributions.
In his 49 regular-season games with the Knicks, Achiuwa averaged 7.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game in 24.2 minutes per game, making 18 starts. Standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing 243 pounds, Achiuwa’s primary position is power forward, though he also saw significant time at center.
Currently, the Knicks’ roster has a gap at center, with Mitchell Robinson being the only true center and dealing with injuries. Isaiah Hartenstein, who was key to their playoff run, left for the Oklahoma City Thunder, leaving a noticeable void in rebounding and defense.
To address this, the Knicks may need to get inventive in finding a center upgrade. SNY columnist David Vertsberger suggests a trade scenario where Achiuwa and point guard Miles McBride are sent to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Clint Capela.
Vertsberger notes, “If the Knicks are committed to having two strong options at center and view McBride as less essential given Tyler Kolek’s Summer League performance, trading for a starting-caliber center like Capela could be a strategic move. While high-end big men are scarce, the rebuilding Hawks might consider moving Capela. Although losing McBride would be tough, a sign-and-trade involving Achiuwa and using their trade exception from the OG Anunoby deal could be feasible. In return, the Knicks would gain a rim-protecting defender and a top offensive rebounder.”
