All summer, the NBA world has revolved around Damian Lillard. His presence in the trade market has dominated the discourse. Finally, Lillard has been moved. He’s officially a member of the Milwaukee Bucks. It almost didn’t go that way.
Yes, he was most frequently linked to the Miami Heat. They weren’t the only team with an alleged interest in Lillard. For some time, it seemed like the Toronto Raptors were the frontrunners for Lillard’s services. Ultimately, it’s been suggested that they weren’t willing to part with OG Anunoby.
That makes sense. If the Raptors were acquiring Lillard, Anunoby is exactly the type of player they’d want on their roster. This doesn’t mean that the Raptors wouldn’t move Anunoby. It’s possible that they’d be willing to part with him if they were deciding to rebuild. Could they send him to the New York Knicks?
The Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, 2026 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2028 First-Round Pick (NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: F OG Anunoby
Interestingly, the Knicks were not linked to Lillard much this summer. This is atypical. Normally, when a star player is available, the Knicks are said to be in the mix. This team has not been known for their patience.
Some will suggest that Jalen Brunson’s emergence rendered Lillard redundant. That’s fair – but have you paid attention to the Knicks? Since when has that stopped them? The Knicks have earned a reputation for shotty decision-making. With that said, they may be turning a new leaf. Over the last few years, the Knicks’ new management group has looked slightly different.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & New York Knicks Updates
The Knicks haven’t made a blockbuster trade in some time. Instead, they’ve been developing the players that they have – and stockpiling draft capital in the process. By now, they could make a big trade without being accused of impatience. Is Anunoby the right target?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
Sure. Anunoby is the right target for any team that’s trying to contend. As one of the best 3-and-D wings in the NBA, Anunoby is extremely portable. There’s no player on this team that he couldn’t co-exist with.
Moreover, he’ll compliment New York’s best players. Anunoby’s floor spacing and transition abilities will enhance the playmaking of Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle. Meanwhile, he should form an elite defensive dynamic alongside Mitchell Robinson. With Robinson protecting the rim and Anunoby on the wings, scoring on the Knicks will suddenly be a chore.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & New York Knicks Updates
Does he shake up their pecking order? Absolutely. The Knicks could shift Josh Hart to the bench after this deal – and he’s overqualified for reserve duties. Alternatively, they could bench RJ Barrett or look to trade him altogether. They can sort those problems out later. The bottom line is that the addition of Anunoby makes them a better team. Should the Raptors help a Conference rival improve?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
The Raptors have a lot of questions to ask themselves. Where is this team going? Do they want to try to remain competitive? Their pursuit of Damian Lillard suggests that that’s precisely what they want. On the other hand, their unwillingness to part with Scottie Barnes says otherwise.
Why would the Raptors part with Barnes? On paper, he’s the most important player on this team. Yet, that’s exactly why Toronto should be rebuilding. The most important player on their team is heading into his third season. This deal has the Raptors beginning to rebuild around Barnes.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & New York Knicks Updates
Is it the end of their rebuild? Not at all. If the Raptors are open to moving ANunoby, they’ll probably look to move Pascal Siakam too. In the meantime, an expiring contract and a pair of unprotected first-rounders should be market value for Anunoby – as good as he is, he’s no Damian Lillard.
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