Multiple reports confirmed the Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks agreed to a blockbuster trade ahead of Saturday’s NBA action, resulting in OG Anunoby being dealt in exchange for RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. The Knicks will also receive Malachi Flynn and Precious Achiuwa, while the Raptors will gain a 2024 second-round pick (DET).
The Knicks have long been linked to Anunoby in trade rumors as they sought an upgrade on the wing that fits the timeline of Jalen Brunson, the team’s franchise backcourt cornerstone. With Anunoby in a contract year, the Raptors had to find a trade or risk his free-agency departure.
The Raptors faced pressure to find a solution regarding Anunoby’s future since it’s essentially a formality that he’ll decline his $19.9 million player option for the 2024-25 season, making him a free agent without a contract extension. According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Anunoby can sign a four-year contract extension worth up to $116.9 million, but the final day he’s eligible to do it is Saturday.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, New York Knicks Updates
By trading for Anunoby this season, the Knicks will not only benefit from his impact for the remainder of their games played. Still, they will better position themselves for free agency recruitment next summer. He’s averaged 15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 27 games this season, remaining one of the NBA’s elite on-ball and overall defenders.
The Raptors needed to find a long-term solution in the backcourt and seemingly have done so by acquiring Quickley, who also plays on an expiring contract. He’s averaged 15.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 30 games this season, providing a strong impact off the bench.
Barrett, playing the first year of a four-year, $107 million contract, has averaged 18.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 26 games this season. He has yet to take the next step that many anticipated him to be capable of achieving when he was selected No. 2 overall in the 2019 NBA Draft.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, New York Knicks Updates
The Raptors have now added multiple new members to their core on the perimeter alongside Scottie Barnes in exchange for Anunoby, reducing the overlap the team experienced on the wing. Pascal Siakam remains in the fold and is a name to watch as Toronto works to reconfigure its roster.
