Arron Afflalo has had a pretty productive season for the New York Knicks this season. In 59 games(56 starts), the 6’5″ swingman has averaged 13.8 points and 3.7 rebounds while shooting an impressive 39.2% from 3-point range in 34.2 minutes per game.
Afflalo, at 30 years old, is no spring chicken, but also could have a few prime years left. Afflalo knows that he’s been good this season, and wants to use that as leverage to get a big contract while he still can.
From Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News:
Equipped with a player option and a strong showing as the Knicks secondary scorer this season, Arron Afflalo told the Daily News he’s looking for at least one more big contract.
“Yeah, it’d be nice. It’d be nice,” the 30-year-old said. “But you do what you can. Whatever opportunities present themselves you never know. I’ve always looked at myself as a player who will have some longevity in the league based on the way that I play. I don’t rely too much on being overly athletic. I just try to be smart, take care of my body.”
Afflalo’s option for next season is worth $8 million, but he can probably command a greater amount over multiple years in the open market. The Knicks do not own his Bird Rights and would have to dip into their cap space to re-sign Afflalo if he doesn’t opt in.
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Afflalo, a Compton product, said he hasn’t given much thought to his player option since the deadline is more than three months away, but his priorities are simple.
“Usually it’s just finances, really,” Afflalo said. “You can obviously look at team opportunity. But mainly it’s just team opportunity and finances.”
With the rising cap, Afflalo can probably command a sizable contract. He’s a good if streaky scoring 2-guard. He’s not an elite defender, but he isn’t a bad one either. With the cap rising, players who are solid to pretty good starting-caliber guys can make bank.
