On Saturday, the New York Knicks acquired forward O.G. Anunoby in a trade with the Toronto Raptors. RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and a 2024 second-round pick will go to the Raptors. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Knicks will also get forward Precious Achiuwa and guard Malachi Flynn.
“We’re ecstatic to welcome OG, Malachi, and Precious to the Knicks family,” Knicks President Leon Rose said. “OG’s complete offensive game and ability to defend multiple positions will enhance our team on both ends of the court. Malachi and Precious are well-rounded players who will complement the hardworking and talented nature of our group. OG, Malachi, and Precious are perfect additions to the type of team and culture we are building in New York. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to RJ and Immanuel for their time in New York. RJ and Immanuel both began their professional careers in Knicks uniforms, and their contributions both on and off the court have had a great impact on this city and organization. They represented our organization with class every day, and we wish them nothing but the best.”
This trade is good for the Raptors as they get two great offensive players. Also, Barrett is from Canada, so he gets to go home and play for the home team, which isn’t bad. Barrett was drafted by the Knicks in 2019, and he is averaging 18.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists this season. Quickley was a finalist for the Kia NBA Sixth Man of the Year last season and was named to the 2020-21 NBA All-Rookie second team. Quickley is having the best season of his career this season. He is averaging career highs in points(15.0), field goal percentage (45.4), and three-point field goal percentage (39.5).
As for the Knicks, this isn’t a good deal. They lost their best players, and Anunoby has a $19.9 million player option for next year, meaning he could become an unrestricted free agent next summer, according to Stefan Bondy and Peter Botte of the New York Post. While he could re-sign with the Knicks, he might not, and if he doesn’t re-sign with the Knicks, then they would have lost their best players for nothing. The only good thing about this deal for the Knicks is that Anunoby should help improve their defense, as he led the NBA in steals last season. This season, Anunoby is averaging 15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.0 steals. He ranks second in defensive half-court matchups against All-Stars a year ago, behind Mikal Bridges of the Brooklyn Nets.
The Knicks are 17-14 and in seventh place in the Eastern Conference, while the Raptors are 12-19 and in 12th place. Even though the Knicks have a better record than the Raptors, this deal will help the Raptors more than it helps the Knicks.