OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks
Let's go over the blockbuster trade that went down on Dec. 30, sending OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks!
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On Dec. 30, OG Anunoby was traded to the New York Knicks in a deal that included RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley going to the Toronto Raptors. There were mixed reactions to the trade, especially since it happened out of nowhere. Today, we will go over all the details. Let’s get into it.
The Trade
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New York Knicks Receive
OG Anunoby
Precious Achiuwa
Malachi Flynn
Toronto Raptors Receive
RJ Barrett
Immanuel Quickley
2024 DET Second Round Pick
Why Now was the Time to Trade OG Anunoby
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Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, and Gary Trent Jr. are on expiring contracts. As a team who recently let both Fred VanVleet and Kyle Lowry walk, it is best to get something in value for the three expiring contracts. The Raptors are currently 14-20. After an embarrassing loss to the 3-31 Detroit Pistons, now was the perfect time to move Anunoby. When a team looks this bad and has the opportunity to get multiple young players or draft capital for an expiring contract, they should pull the trigger. That is what the Raptors did, and they got the best return they could in RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and a valuable second round pick. In addition, Scottie Barnes has been amazing this season as he is currently averaging 21.0 PPG on 38.5% three point shooting. Assuming they trade Siakam, Toronto is officially building around him.
The New York Knicks Replace RJ Barrett with OG Anunoby
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OG Anunoby’s New York Knicks debut went great as they beat the #1 seeded Minnesota Timberwolves. Since the trade, Jalen Brunson is averaging 13.5 APG as Anunoby gives him another player to drive and kick to. Anunoby is currently shooting 37.9% from three and is amazing off the ball. He also fits defensively as he can guard the best player on the opposing team every night. Last season, not only did he lead the league in steals, but he was named to the All-Defensive Second Team.
With Mitchell Robinson out for the season with a left ankle injury, the New York Knicks also received Precious Achiuwa. The Knicks need big men as they cannot rely on a thirty-eight year old Taj Gibson to play rotational playoff minutes. While Gibson has playoff experience with the Derrick Rose led Chicago Bulls, he is no longer serviceable. Achiuwa is a better bet to be the backup big.
Malachi Flynn is still a young point guard at just twenty-five years old. It is not a guarantee he will be the backup point guard over Miles McBride long-term, but it is always nice to have options. He is a good third string point guard and if there is an injury, he can play rotational minutes. This season, Flynn played thirty-one games as a Raptor and averaged 15.3 MPG. He will be a restricted free agent in the 2024 offseason. If he performs well in New York, he could find a new home.
RJ Barrett was struggling with his efficiency in New York shooting just 42.3% from the field and 33.1% from three, leading to a true shooting percentage of 53.6%. Immanuel Quickley was never going to shine with Jalen Brunson being the starting point guard. Plus, giving up just one second round pick shows it is unlikely they are done making moves. They still hold control of eight first round picks that they can trade for another piece using Evan Fournier’s contract, Quentin Grimes, and picks.
It is unlikely this team is on the same tier as teams such as the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks, however it is a step in the right direction. It was a good buy-in move for a team who is building around Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle. They still have role players such as Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, Quentin Grimes, and Isaiah Hartenetein. Overall, they improved, and that is what they are currently trying to do.
Grade: B+
Toronto Raptors Start a Sell
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RJ Barrett was the center-piece the Toronto Raptors received for OG Anunoby. He was born in Toronto and won a bronze medal with the Canadian basketball team during the 2023 FIBA World Cup. The Raptors are now building around him and former Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes. Barrett is a former #3 overall who still has potential in this league. While it feels like he is a lot older, he is only twenty-three years old.
Immanuel Quickley was my pick to win the Sixth Man of the Year Award. He is an elite scorer and will now have an opportunity to be a starting point guard for a young team with a great future. As a New York Knick, he averaged 15.0 PPG in just 24.0 MPG. Now that he will play starter caliber minutes in Toronto, he could average over 20 PPG. During the offseason, he will be a restricted free agent and will get a big contract, one which Toronto will have the opportunity to match.
The Detroit Pistons currently have a record of 3-31 and will likely have the thirty-first pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. This pick now goes to the Raptors along with getting two studs in RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley.
While giving up Malachi Flynn and Precious Achiuwa hurts, it is unlikely they were going to be in the Raptors’ future plans. Therefore, it was best to receive assets for them right now. They got good value for Anunoby, Achiuwa, and Flynn, something that will benefit the Raptors in the future.
Grade: A-
This trade was a win for both teams. The Knicks got the best player in the deal with only having to give up one second round pick, while the Raptors are finally rebuilding. Feel free to comment on your winners and losers of the trade and your overall thoughts.