2024 NBA Free Agents: Rumors, Predictions Based on Late-Season Buzz | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (elbow) returned to the lineup on Friday, though his presence wasn't enough to notch a win against the Chicago Bulls. However, New York was still happy to see the defensive standout on the court.

"[Anunoby] was good," head coach Tom Thibodeau said, per Stefon Bondy of the New York Post. "First game back. So that's a good sign."

Anunoby is an important piece of the puzzle for New York, though injuries are starting to become a concern. That's relevant because the 26-year-old has a $19.9 million player option for next season.

The Knicks appear likely to extend Anunoby, but doing so may not be a slam-dunk decision.

"He is starting to look like a player who is just injury-prone and that makes you nervous, paying him that much," one unnamed general manager told Heavy's Sean Deveney in March.

Financially, opting out and leveraging for a long-term deal makes the most sense for Anunoby, and he has leverage. The Knicks traded R.J. Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to acquire Anunoby in December, and losing him a few months later would be disastrous.

He will try to break the bank there," the general manager said, per Denevey. "Why not? They can't afford to lose him."

The Knicks might prefer to see Anunoby for another season before committing to him long-term, but they may not have that option. For better or worse, Anunoby's next payday will likely come from New York.

Prediction: Anunoby signs an extension with the Knicks