The Toronto Raptors are a team that many people have been keeping an eye on in the NBA when it comes to trade rumors. In need of a shakeup for a few seasons, Toronto has opted against making big moves during the season, which has cost them.
Negotiations centered around point guard Kyle Lowry were handled poorly as the return from the Miami Heat was minimal in a sign-and-trade deal. Things were even worse with Fred VanVleet, who departed in free agency, leaving the Raptors empty-handed.
Not wanting to repeat that mistake, the Raptors made a big trade with the New York Knicks over the weekend. They traded OG Anunoby, Precious Achiwa and Malachi Flynn to New York in exchange for Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett and a second-round pick via the Detroit Pistons.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors Updates
It is a deal that many people believe the Raptors won. They got the player many believe is the best in the deal in Quickley. The Pistons second-round pick has a lot of value as well as it could be the first one in the second round. While Barrett is viewed as a negative asset right now, he is still only 23 years old and could unlock more of his potential after a change of scenery.
For at least one game, the trade looked great for Toronto. After suffering an embarrassing defeat against the Pistons over the weekend, snapping their NBA record 28-game losing streak, the Raptors got back in the win column on Monday night.
Quickley and Barrett were key in defeating the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, 124-121. Barrett scored an efficient 19 points, shooting 6-of-12 from the field to go along with a season-high nine rebounds. Miscast as a small forward with the Knicks, Barrett has a chance to get back on track as a shooting guard in the Raptors’ lineup.
One of the major complaints when it comes to Quickley in the 2023-24 NBA regular season during his time with the Knicks was his role. It was clear that he was ready for a bigger role than the sixth man one provided in New York and he will receive that in Toronto.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors Updates
He was immediately inserted into the starting lineup along with Barrett. Quickley had a strong debut as well, scoring 14 points with six rebounds, three assists, two steals and zero turnovers. It will be interesting to see how much his game blossoms as a starter, especially in a lineup where he doesn’t have to handle all of the playmaking abilities as Scottie Barnes initiates a lot of the Toronto offense.
Finally open to shaking up the roster, the Raptors are entering a new era, one that could be a bit of a rebuild. Quickley and Barrett are now part of a new emerging young core along with Barnes as the team may not be done wheeling and dealing.
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