Sotheby’s auction – Sotheby’s will auction the basketball from OG Anunoby’s game-winning tip-in in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, with bidding opening June 30. Appraisers estimate it could sell for between $2.5 million and $4.5 million—or even up to $5 million for insurance replacemen
When the Knicks tipped in a missed shot in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, the moment landed with a kind of finality that fans still talk about. Now the ball from that play is headed for Sotheby’s auction block.
Bidding for the basketball from OG Anunoby’s game-winning basket in Game 4 opens June 30. It’s the same ball Anunoby tipped in after a missed shot by Jalen Brunson, helping the Knicks complete a 107-106 comeback win. Sotheby’s has not disclosed an estimated sale price.
Two sports memorabilia appraisers told Business Insider the ball could sell for millions. Michael Osacky. an accredited member of the International Society of Appraisers and a USPAP-compliant sports appraiser. put the range at $2.5 million to $4.5 million. In his view, the value is driven by more than the box score. It’s the ball’s role in one of the most talked-about moments of the NBA Finals and what led to the end of the Knicks’ 53-year championship drought.
Osacky stressed how timing affects demand. “The timing is perfect. Ideally, something like this needs to be sold within days or weeks of the ‘event’ happening. If the auction was delayed until the start of the season when the team receives its NBA Championship rings. the value would decrease by 20% to 30%. ” he said.
He also pointed to the buyer pool. New York City’s large population of multimillionaires and wealthy collectors, Osacky added, could further boost interest in a piece of sports history.
The likely buyer isn’t necessarily a dealer chasing profit. Osacky suggested the winner may choose to display it—“at their office for colleagues, clients, and friends to see.”
Another estimate came from Bradley Calleja, president of Curio Advisors, which specializes in fine art and collectible appraisals. Calleja estimated the ball could sell for between $3 million and $4 million at auction. He also set a replacement value for insurance at $5 million.
Calleja tied the valuation to cultural reach as much as rarity. “The OG tip-in has become a viral moment with a major social media impact. which will stand the test of time since it’s not related to any breakable record — it’s the ball that finally brought a championship back to NYC. ” he told Business Insider. He said there are few comparisons for a ball with this kind of provenance.
To underline the point, Calleja looked at past sales: In 2019, the ball used to score Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s final career points fetched $270,050. Last year, the basketball used when Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant won their first NBA title together for the Lakers in 2000 sold for $508,000.
Calleja argued the Knicks’ ball belongs in a different conversation. “I believe that the moment and historic significance of the OG Knicks ball is far more impactful than either of those sales. and it should be valued in comparison with the most expensive baseballs ever sold. ” he said. He referenced Shohei Ohtani’s 50th home run ball. which holds the record at $4.392 million. Freddie Freeman’s 2024 World Series walk-off grand slam ball. which sold for $1.56 million. and Aaron Judge’s 62nd home run ball. which went for $1.5 million.
The Knicks’ Game 4 winner is also part of a wider Sotheby’s collection connected to the NBA Finals. Alongside the ball, the auction includes game-worn jerseys and pieces of the Madison Square Garden court used during Games 3 and 4 of the NBA Finals.
Sotheby's Knicks OG Anunoby Jalen Brunson Game 4 NBA Finals sports memorabilia auction Michael Osacky Curio Advisors Bradley Calleja Madison Square Garden court
So like… they’re auctioning a normal basketball? Seems kinda dumb.
Wait I thought OG Anunoby plays for the Raptors lol. But anyway $2.5 to $5 million is insane, I can’t even imagine paying that for a ball.
This is all tied to the championship drought stuff right? Like they’re saying it’s worth millions because the Knicks hadn’t won in forever. But wouldn’t it be more if it was the exact moment he dunked or something? Not sure why timing matters that much, seems like they’re just guessing.
Sotheby’s really said “June 30” like that’s a regular date for a luxury item. Meanwhile my kid’s school fundraiser ball is like $10. Also the missed shot by Brunson… so the ball is basically cursed or what? 20% to 30% if they wait? People are wild.