Precious Achiuwa not offered $6.2M qualifying offer, will be UFA

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 Achiuwa a $6.2 million qualifying offer before Saturday’s deadline, making him an unrestricted free agent this summer. New York would have had the chance to match any offers he received from other teams had the qualifying offer 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 became 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 decreased as Robinson and backup center Isaiah Hartenstein became healthy.

ESPN management insider Bobby Marks told Stefan Bondy that 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, Achiuwa is a promising young talent whose best years are still ahead of him. He will certainly attract a lot of interest on the open market.