The Knicks reportedly declined to extend a qualifying offer to Precious Achiuwa, which set him up for free agency this summer, according to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post:
“By Saturday’s deadline, precious Achiuwa—who proved to be a capable frontcourt injury substitute last season—did not receive a qualifying offer from the Knicks, according to a source,” Bondy reported.
“Achiuwa may still resign in the summer, but the Knicks forfeited their matching rights,” the statement reads.
2023–2024: May 12, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) shoots the ball while New York Knicks forward Precious Achiuwa (5) defends during game four of the 2024 NBA playoffs’ second round at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Knicks benefited from Achiuwa’s play. The following credit is required: Trevor Ruszkowski of USA TODAY Sports
Achiuwa had a key role in the Knicks’ 2023–24 NBA season second-half comeback. The big player from Nigeria filled a vacuum that the Knicks sorely needed to fill. At a crucial point in the season, New York was without its starting center Mitchell Robinson due to a dislocated shoulder sustained on January 27 against the Miami Heat. As a result, the team had to make do with reserves at both power forward and center.
Stepping in for 24.2 minutes per game across 49 games, 18 of which he started, the 6-foot-8 Achiuwa averaged 7.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and a career-high 1.1 blocks on 52.5 percent shooting from the field for New York. During the campaign, the 24-year-old scored seven double-doubles for New York; the Knicks were 5-2 when he did so.