Knicks Rumors: Precious Achiuwa Not Given $6.2M Qualifying Offer, Will Be UFA | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats & Rumors

After finishing the 2023-24 season with the New York Knicks, center Precious Achiuwa could be on his way out.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Knicks did not extend a $6.2 million qualifying offer to Achiuwa before Saturday’s deadline, making him an unrestricted free agent this summer. New York would have had the opportunity to match any offers he received from other teams if the qualifying offer had been extended.

The Knicks acquired Achiuwa along with star swingman OG Anunoby in a December trade with the Toronto Raptors. The center appeared in 49 games for New York with 18 starts and averaged 7.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks while shooting 52.5 percent from the field in 24.2 minutes of action .

Achiuwa emerged as a key contributor when the Knicks lost center Mitchell Robinson to foot surgery. He averaged 12.2 points and 10.7 rebounds in 38.7 minutes during the month of February. His playing time declined as Robinson and backup center Isaiah Hartenstein got healthy.

ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks informed Stefan Bondy of the The New York Post that Achiuwa’s estimated free agency value is “$8 million to $10 million in annual salary.” Hartenstein is also an unrestricted free agent this summer, and he and Achiuwa could benefit from a weak free agent class at the center position.

At 24 years old, Achiuwa is a promising young talent whose best years are still ahead of him. It will certainly attract strong interest on the open market.