For a while, it felt like any team in the NBA might trade for OG Anunoby. Why not? He’s an extremely portable player who can complement any roster.
Meanwhile, he’s old enough to contribute to a contender but young enough to be part of a team’s future. He’ll be part of the future of the New York Knicks.
They were the team that finally bit the bullet and made a move for Anunoby. This should make the Knicks a more dangerous team. With that said, they paid a price to bring Anunoby on board.
They may not miss RJ Barrett – Anunoby is his replacement. With that said, they may miss Immanuel Quickley’s scoring punch off of the bench.
Could the Knicks acquire Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz to replace him?
NBA Trade Proposal: New York Knicks Land Utah Jazz’s Jordan Clarkson
Utah Jazz Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, G Quentin Grimes, 2024 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: G Jordan Clarkson
This was one of those deals that people will debate. Some will suggest that the Knicks are going to miss Quickley if he hits his ceiling. With that said, the Raptors won’t be universally celebrated for this deal, either.
Remember when Anunoby was supposed to go for three unprotected first-round picks? Sure, Barrett and Quickley are valuable.
Still, it feels fair to say that if the Raptors had moved Anunoby more quickly, they’d have received more in exchange for the defensive wing.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz, New York Knicks Updates
On the other hand, we can understand the Raptors’ hesitancy to move Anunoby. Teams around the league coveted him – why shouldn’t the Raptors? In the end, moving him before he left in free agency had its own merit.
Should the Jazz acquire their own expiring contract in Fournier?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
Fournier’s expiring contract is certainly one benefit for the Jazz here. This team has been underwhelming in 2023-24. If the Jazz aren’t going to make a playoff run, they might as well clean up their books.
Yet, the most valuable part of this return is likely Grimes. His role has been reduced in New York this year, but he’s looked the part of a 3-and-D guard throughout his brief NBA career so far. The Jazz should be happy to bring in a quality young player like him.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz, New York Knicks Updates
They should be happy with a lottery protected first as well. Clarkson is aging and can be inefficient, so this is likely as much as the Jazz will receive for him in terms of draft capital.
Should the Knicks even give a lottery-protected first-up for Clarkson?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
The Knicks will miss Quickley. Anunoby is the more generally impactful player, but half-court creation is not his calling card. Outside of Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, the Knicks mostly roster role players.
Clarkson can create in the halfcourt. He isn’t just a scorer, either. In recent years, Clarkson has thrived as a playmaker as well. He can replicate Quickley’s role as a reserve spark plug for this team.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz, New York Knicks Updates
Meanwhile, the Knicks can afford to part with everything they’re giving up here. Fournier is out of the rotation, Grimes’ role has been reduced, and this pick is lottery-protected. The Knicks already made their trade for Anunoby – why not push more chips in?
