Drafted in 2020 by the Miami Heat, Precious Achiuwa, now with the New York Knicks, recently re-signed with the team to a one-year, $6 million contract. 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 rebounding skills, 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 a career-best 9.2 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.
His return to the Knicks, alongside OG Anunoby’s massive five-year, $212.5 million contract, essentially completes the Knicks’ major offseason moves.
Mitchell Robinson affected by Achiuwa’s return
With the trade of Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Knicks lost a key player but retained Achiuwa, who is not under a minimum contract. However, Achiuwa’s return could impact Knicks center Mitchell Robinson, who will begin the season as a starter.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Updates on Precious Achiuwa, Mitchell Robinson, Jericho Sims and New York Knicks
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.
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau and Achiuwa preferred the big man’s role as a backup power forward behind Julius Randle last season. However, with Hartenstein gone, the 6-foot-1, 240-pound Achiuwa will likely be Robinson’s primary backup at center, with little-used Jericho Sims behind him.
Achiuwa waived his Bird veto power, which typically allows a player to block any trade during the first year of a new contract. That means Achiuwa can now be traded at a later date, making him a flexible asset for the Knicks.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Updates on Precious Achiuwa, Mitchell Robinson, Jericho Sims and New York Knicks
The 24-year-old is, to some extent, betting on himself. The deal may seem team-friendly, but with Robinson’s injury history and Sims’ uncertain status, Achiuwa could get more playing time and hit the free-agent market in 2025.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news and insider information? Click here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter And Facebook.
Want to read the latest NFL news and analysis? Check out our partner NFL Analytics Network.
