The New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors are shaking things up with an inter-division trade on Saturday morning.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Raptors are sending OG Anunoby to New York for a package including Immanuel Quickley and Toronto-native RJ Barrett.
It’s not a surprise to see the Raptors move major pieces and attempt to retool at this point in the year. Toronto is 12-19, last in the Atlantic Division and already falling behind in the race for the postseason play-in games. The Knicks, meanwhile, get another star player on an expiring contract to pair with Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle.
So who won the trade? Let’s break it down.
The Details
Per Wojnarowski:
Knicks get: OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, Malachi Flynn
Raptors get: RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, 2024 second-round pick (via Detroit Pistons)
The Toronto Raptors are acquiring a New York 2024 second-round pick via the Detroit Pistons, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/Rj8sBnmBV1
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 30, 2023
Contract details of the trade:
To Toronto
RJ Barrett: $23.8M, $25.8M, $27.7M and $29.6M
Immanuel Quickley: $4.2M, RFA 2024
To New York
OG Anunoby: $18.6M and $19.9M (P)
Precious Achiuwa: $4.4M, RFA 2024
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) December 30, 2023
New York Knicks
The Knicks certainly gave up a lot to get Anunoby, who is averaging 15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game this season while shooting 48.9 percent from the field, but the price could’ve been a lot worse.
Wojnarowski reported New York has coveted the two-way small forward for some time now and the acquisition will give the Knicks a head start on trying to re-sign him before he hits free agency this offseason.
The deal also solves New York’s rotation conundrum. As For The Win’s Bryan Kalbrosky wrote about earlier this week, head coach Tom Thibodeau insisted on using Barrett over Quickley, despite data showing a switch would do both well:
A change of [Barrett’s] role would give him more opportunities to lead New York’s offense rather than playing more off-ball. Barrett has struggled on spot-up possessions and when his shot is contested, his catch-and-shoot jumper isn’t falling.
Quickley, who was the runner-up for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year last season, does well in the second unit. But if the Knicks are going to make a serious run in the Eastern Conference, he should play in the starting lineup instead of Barrett.
Getting someone as impactful on both ends of the floor as Anunoby without giving up any of its assortment of first round picks is a win for the Knicks, but losing two rotation pieces hurts. Fortunately, the deal still leaves room for New York to keep buying as needed.
Grade: B+
Toronto Raptors
On the flip side, the Raptors really could’ve used a first rounder here. The team is stuck in the mud and will likely be selling more pieces (Pascal Siakam? Dennis Schroder?) as they look to avoid a full rebuild.
Fortunately, Quickley is only a restricted free agent after next season while Barrett is under contract through 2026-27. It’ll be hard to fully judge this deal until we see what Toronto does next.
In a stacked Atlantic Division loaded with contenders like the Celtics, 76ers and Knicks, it makes complete sense the Raps would start selling sooner than later. Getting two pieces they can use now — or potentially include in future deals — gives the club flexibility in the interim.
It also brings a native Canadian son in Barrett back home.
Grade: B
