After posting a healthy, successful season, Kyle O’Quinn is still deciding whether or not he will opt-out of his contract with the New York Knicks for next season.
The New York Knicks offseason is barely underway and Kyle O’Quinn remains one of the more interesting storylines. O’Quinn is coming off a nice year where he showcased his utility as a big off the bench that can provide sound defense and a knack for moving the ball on offense.
O’Quinn definitely turned some heads down the stretch of the 2017-18 season, so it will be interesting to see how he approaches his impending contract situation. O’Quinn can opt-out of his final year with the Knicks to seek a deal in New York with more security or he may seek opportunities elsewhere.
According to reports from Newsday’s Jordan Lauterbach, O’Quinn is still undecided as to whether he will do with his $4.26 million-dollar player option this summer.
KO was the first center off the bench all year and he became a crucial piece on the roster following Kristaps Porzingis’ injury. Although he put up seemingly pedestrian numbers, he notched career highs in points, rebounds, and assists.
In O’Quinn’s final 24 games played he averaged 8.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game. These aren’t gaudy numbers by any stretch, but they are indicative of a player who can be a crucial role player off the bench.
KO is also capable of filling in as a starter when need be. In truth, he may opt-out if he feels that someone is willing to pay him more and utilize him in a starting role. In 10 games as a starter this season, O’Quinn averaged 10.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game.
But KO isn’t the only Knicks player mulling a player option. Enes Kanter has a much more lucrative option on the table. It will be interesting to see how the team’s two healthy big men decide to proceed this summer. O’Quinn is almost universally loved in New York and his production will be difficult to replace if he chooses to opt-out.
