The second headline-grabbing trade of the 2023-24 NBA regular season was completed over the weekend between the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors. Seeing division rivals make a trade is rare; when one of those franchises is suing the other, it is even more a surprise when a deal is consummated between the two.
But, the Knicks and Raptors were able to put their legal issues aside to complete a trade that will benefit both sides. New York acquired forward OG Anunoby, big man Precious Achiuwa and point guard Malachi Flynn in exchange for guard Immanuel Quickley, forward RJ Barrett and a second-round pick via the Detroit Pistons.
It was a deal that took a lot of people by surprise as Quickley and Barrett were two of the foundational, young core that the Knicks have compiled over the last few years. But, seeing the opportunity to add an elite 3-and-D wing to the mix was too much to pass on, as Leon Rose pulled the trigger on acquiring Anunoby.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks Updates
In his Knicks debut, Anunoby showcased all of the positives that he is going to bring to the table. One of the truly elite defenders in the NBA, Anunoby drew the assignment of defending Minnesota Timberwolves start Anthony Edwards out of the gate. Later on in the game, he was tasked with defending Karl-Anthony Towns.
That kind of defensive versatility and skill set is one that the Knicks were missing from their roster. Every contending team has a player like Anunoby in the rotation and now New York has their stopper.
His presence was felt right away as he made things difficult for both players when matched up against them. Anunoby led the NBA in steals last season and earned a spot on the All-Defensive Second Team, showing why he received such a distinction right away in New York.
“I felt good,” Anunoby said after the 112-106 victory. “I felt good. Just trying to help the team on both ends. Just talking to guys on defense and them talking to me, helping know where to be, and stuff. Felt good.”
While his defense is his calling card, Anunoby also made his presence felt offensive. He scored 17 points, showing off his shooting acumen while knocking down 3-of-6 3-point attempts. While the spacing that he provides is key to the isolation-heavy offense the Knicks run, his cutting and ability to hold holes in the defense for dunks is an area he really excels compared to Barrett.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks Updates
When taking into account how little Anunoby knew about the Knicks’ system and what they do on both sides of the court, his debut is that much more impressive. He credits his new teammates for helping him get to the right spots and learn on the fly after not yet partaking in a practice with the team.
“Even during the game, they were telling me, ‘Go here. Do this.'” Anunoby said with a smile. “Yeah, they were helping me out for sure, a lot of them. And I’m thankful for it.”
That debut was a strong one for Anunoby, who will help the Knicks on both ends of the court as an immediate upgrade on the wing. While there are still a few things to iron out, such as the bench rotation, this was an encouraging start to this new era as New York defeated a Timberwolves team that entered the game with the second best record in the NBA.
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