The NBA has a salary cap. If it didn’t, it would look a lot different. Often, teams would prefer to hang onto a quality player. They can’t afford them in their current situation. The team may end up trading that player as a result.
Look at the Toronto Raptors. This team’s salary sheet is about to unmanageable. Meanwhile, the Raptors are outside of the playoff picture. As a result, the Raptors may have to look at some trades before looking at a mediocre, unaffordable roster.
Who would the Raptors move? It would likely be one of Pascal Siakam or OG Anunoby – if not both. They each have extensions coming shortly. Could the Raptors avoid paying Anunoby by sending him to the New York Knicks?
NBA Trade Proposal: New York Knicks Land Toronto Raptors’ OG Anunoby
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, 2026 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2028 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2029 First-Round Pick (Swap – NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: F OG Anunoby
With that said, the Knicks are obviously well aware of the cap. They’ve been operating well within it for quite some time. There is no albatross contract on the Knicks’ books. Their salary sheet has been well maintained.
Is that what matters? It’s debatable. The Knicks are a low-cost team. They could trade any contract on their books if they wanted. Great.
With that said, they’ve also performed at a relatively low level. The Knicks were decent last year, but this year, they’ve made a return to mediocrity.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks Updates
That’s not the end of the world. The Knicks have the means to make a major trade. It’s simply worth noting that once they do, their salary sheet will get more complicated.
Is it worth muddying up their books to land Anunoby?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
Anunoby’s value is generally a bit murky. He’s arguably the best 3-and-D wing in the NBA. On the other hand, he’s not much of a self-creator on the offensive end.
Are the Knicks giving up too much draft capital here? Are they not giving up enough? Moreover, if they make this deal, they’ll suddenly have to be the team that pays Anunoby. What is he worth?
Is it $25 million, or is it $40 million a season? Should the Knicks even face that decision? Yes. Again – this is arguably the best 3-and-D wing in the NBA.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks Updates
The Knicks were fringe contenders last season – there is talent here. By adding Anunoby, they could even exceed last year’s success. Should the Raptors send him to a conference rival?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
The Raptors do this deal to avoid paying Anunoby. That’s the primary motivating factor. A non-playoff team shouldn’t be shelling out near-max money for an elite role player.
Yet, they won’t salary dump him – he’s an elite role player. That’s not what they’re doing here. The Raptors are picking up two unprotected first-round picks and a swap.
That’s enough draft capital for them to begin building around Scottie Barnes. Finally, Fournier’s expiring contract is useful for the Raptors as well.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks Updates
As they move into a rebuild, they’ll want the financial freedom to make the decisions that are best for their organization. After all, they’ve got to operate within the cap just like everybody else.
