Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks Finalize Trade, Swapping Players and Draft Pick
ICARO Media Group
The Raptors will be sending OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn to the Knicks, while in return, Toronto will acquire RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and a 2024 second-round draft pick.
OG Anunoby, widely regarded as one of the NBA's top 3-and-D players, has been a coveted asset in the league. However, despite numerous teams expressing interest over the years, the Raptors have held on to the 26-year-old wing. Anunoby's exceptional defensive abilities earned him a spot on the NBA All-Defensive Second Team last season, leading the league in steals. He also contributed 16.8 points per game and boasted a remarkable 38.7% shooting from beyond the arc. Anunoby's arrival could bolster a Knicks defense that has recently suffered from the absence of Mitchell Robinson, who is out for the season due to an ankle injury.
In return, the Raptors will receive RJ Barrett, a 23-year-old Canadian native who signed a substantial four-year, $107 million contract ahead of the 2022-23 season. Barrett, who enjoyed a career-high average of 20.0 points per game last season, has seen his role diminish with Jalen Brunson taking over as the Knicks' primary playmaker. It remains to be seen whether Barrett will have more opportunities to shine in Toronto.
Immanuel Quickley, a 24-year-old guard with enormous potential, will also join the Raptors. Quickley, who narrowly missed out on the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award last season, was not offered a rookie extension during the offseason. However, he has impressed with an impressive stat line of 22.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game in 21 starts in the 2022-23 campaign. With Dennis Schroder moving to a bench role, Quickley could carve out a more significant role for himself in Toronto.
The trade signifies New York's commitment to strengthening their defense with the addition of OG Anunoby, a versatile wing who excels without needing many scoring opportunities. Meanwhile, the Raptors are adding more pieces to their young core for the future, acquiring RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley.
Fans may get to see the revamped Knicks squad in action as early as Monday, January 1, as they face the Minnesota Timberwolves at home. On the same day, the Raptors will be hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers to kick off the year 2024.
The trade between the Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks marks a significant shakeup for both teams, and the impact of these new additions will be closely watched as they take to the court in the upcoming games.