The New York Knicks and the Toronto Raptors finalized a trade Saturday afternoon that would send OG Anunoby to the Big Apple. OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn are heading to the Knicks for a package that includes RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickly, and New York’s second-round pick in 2024.
The Knicks are giving up two of their top offensive players in RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickly, but are receiving a much needed lift to their defense with 6-foot-7 OG Anunoby who had led the NBA in steals last season.
26-year-old OG Anunoby has spent his entire seven-season NBA career with Toronto after being drafted 23rd overall in 2017. Anunoby is averaging 15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game this season. Anunoby was also a key part of the Raptors 2019 championship team and was named to the NBA’s All-Defensive second team last season after he led the league in steals, averaging 1.9 per game.
23-year-old RJ Barrett is in his 5th NBA season after being drafted 3rd overall in 2019 from Duke. He is third on the Knicks in scoring as he averaged 18.2 points per game, along with 4.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. Barrett’s teammate, Immanuel Quickly, is averaging 15 points per game this season and is shooting an impressive 39.5% from 3-point range. Quickly finished second in the 6th Man of the Year award, only behind Malcom Brogdon of the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Knicks are currently 18-15 and 7th in the Eastern Conference. The Raptors sit at 13-20, and are 12th in the Eastern Conference.
