The New York Knicks have completed a significant trade, acquiring forward OG Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors in exchange for RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and a 2024 second-round pick, both teams confirmed on Saturday.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the Knicks have been pursuing Anunoby for an extended period and are intent on securing his long-term commitment as a free agent this coming summer. As part of the trade, the Knicks also receive forward Precious Achiuwa and guard Malachi Flynn from the Raptors.
“OG’s complete offensive game and ability to defend multiple positions will enhance our team on both ends of the court,” said Knicks president Leon Rose.
Currently standing at 17-14 and occupying the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference, New York retains significant draft assets to facilitate further impactful trades in the near future.
Anunoby, aged 26, has been among the league’s most sought-after trade assets over the past couple of seasons.
The Knicks now have the opportunity to persuade him of a promising future in New York before he enters free agency. The Knicks management has expressed confidence in Anunoby’s compatibility alongside Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle.
Anunoby has been enjoying a strong season, averaging 15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.0 steals per game.
His defensive prowess is highlighted by statistics indicating he ranked second last year in defensive half-court matchups against All-Stars, trailing only Mikal Bridges of the Brooklyn Nets. Over the past two seasons, Anunoby has averaged 1.7 steals per game, the third-highest in the NBA.
New York Knicks (Credits: NBA)
In return, the Raptors, currently with a 12-19 record, acquire Barrett, a Canadian native and the third pick in the 2019 draft, Quickley, a prolific bench scorer, and a 2024 second-round pick originally from the Detroit Pistons.
Barrett has been averaging 18.2 points and 4.3 rebounds per game this season, while Quickley has set career highs with 15.0 points per game, shooting 45.4% from the field and 39.5% from beyond the arc.
“Immanuel is a young, talented playmaker who we believe will provide a spark on both ends of the court.
RJ is a versatile wing who is, of course, well-known in his hometown, and seeing him in a Raptors uniform will be a special moment for our fans and for all Canadians,” stated Raptors president Masai Ujiri in a released statement.
Ujiri also expressed gratitude and well-wishes to Anunoby, Flynn, and Achiuwa, who have been integral parts of the Raptors organization.
The Raptors are reportedly continuing to look for potential trades involving forward Pascal Siakam, although no significant deals are currently progressing. Both Siakam and Anunoby are poised to enter free agency after the season.
This trade marks the first transaction between the Knicks and Raptors since 2013 and comes amidst an ongoing legal dispute between the franchises.
In August, the Knicks filed a lawsuit against the Raptors and certain personnel, alleging that confidential information was shared by a former Knicks employee upon his departure to Toronto. Sources indicate that the status of the lawsuit remains unchanged despite the completion of the trade.
