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[Saba Sports News] The New York Knicks appear poised to lose a key rotational player this offseason.
According to Steve Popper of Newsday, forward/center Precious Achiuwa is not expected to return to the team. Set to become an unrestricted free agent, Achiuwa is reportedly viewed as the Knicks player “most likely” to leave this summer.
Popper notes that the parting of ways stems from mutual dissatisfaction.
“Achiuwa seemed to be most likely to be gone among players who were contributors this season, not signing back with the Knicks last summer until all other options were exhausted,” Popper wrote. “But there was a dissatisfaction with playing time under [former head coach Tom] Thibodeau — and the coaching staff having equal dissatisfaction about the defense and consistency provided by Achiuwa.”
The 25-year-old was acquired in the 2023 trade that sent RJ Barrett to Toronto in exchange for OG Anunoby.
While Achiuwa showed flashes of energy and versatility, he never carved out a consistent role. He averaged 6.6 points and 5.6 rebounds in 20.5 minutes per game during the regular season but was largely pushed to the fringes once Mitchell Robinson returned from injury.
During the Knicks’ playoff run to the Eastern Conference Finals, Achiuwa played just 34 total minutes—mostly in garbage time. He now seems likely to seek a fresh opportunity elsewhere, ideally with a team that can offer him a bigger role.
The Knicks, meanwhile, may be ready to move on as well. With Achiuwa considered undersized at 6-foot-8 for a full-time big and inconsistent in key areas, New York has already been linked to veteran big men in free agency, including a multi-time All-Star.