In a shocking but bold move, the New York Knicks pulled off a huge trade with the Toronto Raptors, acquiring heavily sought-after wing OG Anunoby. Here’s the deal in full:
Raptors receive RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and a 2024 second-round pick from the Detroit Pistons.
Knicks receive Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn.
Anunoby was one of the names that most contending teams wanted to get their hands on. This is due to his elite ability to space the floor, defend all five positions, and knock down corner threes. This was a position the Knicks desperately needed to upgrade. Meanwhile, the Raptors needed a starting point guard and an ideal partner for Scottie Barnes. They landed that with Quickley, who is undoubtedly the aspect of the deal which will be regrettable for the Knicks. Nevertheless, this deal is a potential win for both sides, particularly the Knicks.
1. Anunoby Makes the Knicks Better Now and in the Future
Anunoby is the ideal fit for the Knicks’ defensive identity. They were crying out for someone in their lineup with a huge seven-foot wingspan and an elite wing defender who doesn’t need the ball to be effective. Not only that but someone who knocks down corner threes at a high clip. Anunoby is all of the above. He can defend all five positions at an elite level; the perennial All-NBA defense is someone the Knicks have wanted for a long time.
Furthermore, judging by Anunoby changing agents to CAA (president Leon Rose’s former agency), presumably, he wanted to facilitate the move himself. Expect him to extend his contract with the Knicks for a mutually beneficial long-term contract. He’s only 26, so this makes sense for both parties.
As mentioned earlier, the roster construction of being over-saturated with guards, with a lack of size, led them to be fodder against the bigger teams in the league. The Orlando Magic had their way with them last week, and it was becoming a problem. Especially with Mitchell Robinson’s injury, the Knicks went from being one of the best defensive teams to the worst in short order. This move addresses this.
Furthermore, Achiuwa can handle the backup four and five spots. The Knicks had no backup to Julius Randle or Isaiah Hartenstein on the floor; Achiuwa addresses this nicely.
Anunoby was third in the NBA in deflections last year but is not just a defensive wizard. Offensively, he cuts to the rim for easy dunks, moves off the ball excellently, and knocks down around 47% of his corner threes for his career.
This helps the Knick’s defense, spacing, and efficiency on the floor.
Judging by New York’s last two games, Anunoby appears the perfect fit. He’s had a winning start to his new team, notching an incredible +54 rating. He’s also shooting 12/21 and 40% from three while averaging seven rebounds and two steals.
