As an expiring contract after this season, we explore why Immanuel Quickley is likely entering his final season with the New York Knicks.
Projected to be a restricted free agent after this season, Immanuel Quickley and the New York Knicks are likely going to discuss an extension before the start of the season. However, according to a recent report, there have been “no substantive” trade talks between the two sides.
And there may be a reason why.
Per that same report, there are whispers that Quickley could be asking for a huge contract. With the way he’s continued to develop over the last couple of seasons, it’s not outrageous to say that he could be in line for a $20 million per season extension. If that ends up being his market, it’s easy to see why the Knicks would be pessimistic about striking a deal.
With eyes on a star, the Knicks aren’t likely to extend Quickley
Another big reason why the Knicks may not be optimistic about striking a deal with Quickley is the fact that the team may have their eyes on a bigger move. If the Knicks do have hopes of landing another superstar, via trade or free agency, signing Quickley to a monster extension, or even one that would pay him roughly $20 million per year may not be the way to go.
Especially if he is going to be used as part of a deal. Quickley is considered a value player at the moment. However, most of that goes out the door the moment he signs a new deal. This is not to say that Quickley isn’t worth a hefty extension, but that his value around the league immediately changes. It’s one thing for teams to highly value a player who may be playing above his pay grade, it’s an entirely different thing for teams to do the same for a player who may be slightly overpaid.
In fairness, to Quickley, he’s coming off the best season of his career thus far. Last season in New York, Quickley averaged 15 points, four rebounds, and three assists per game on a career-high 45 percent shooting from the field. The big question that needs to be asked for the Knicks is whether he is in line to be paid as a starter.
Because that’s what his contract extension would likely represent.
As soon as Quickley’s contract is extended, he’s now viewed as a player getting starter money that isn’t exactly a starter. Undersanding that, the hesitation is natural on the part of the Knicks. That’s why there’s a very real chance that either New York elects to trade him in-season (while his trade value is hot), or he ends up leaving next summer via sign-and-trade.