Raptors Acquire Barrett, and Quickley in Deal with the Knicks
Yesterday, the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors made a trade for the first time since 2013. New York will acquire OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn for RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and a 2024 second-round pick. The Knicks have been pursuing Anunoby for quite some time, and are now determined to re-sign him this offseason, believing he will fit in this Knicks lineup well alongside Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle. For the Raptors, they traded for the hometown kid RJ Barrett who was born in Toronto, and Quickley who finished in second for the Sixth Man of the Year Award last season. New York sits in eighth place within the Eastern Conference at 17-15, while Toronto is in 12th place at 12-20.
Through 27 games this season, OG Anunoby is averaging about 15 points, four rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a block. He’s averaged 1.7 steals over the past two years, third most in the NBA. Anunoby also ranked second in defensive half-court matchups against all-stars last season, only trailing Brooklyn Nets forward Mikal Bridges. In 25 games played, Precious Achiuwa has averaged about eight points, five rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block a game. Malachi Flynn is averaging about five points, two rebounds, two assists, and a steal in 31 games played with Toronto. In 26 starts with the Knicks, RJ Barrett has averaged close to 18 points, four rebounds, two assists, and a steal, while Immanuel Quickley has averaged 15 points, three rebounds, three assists, and a steal in 30 games.
Knicks President Leon Rose said, "OG's complete offensive game and ability to defend multiple positions will enhance our team on both ends of the court. Raptors president Masai Uijiri said in a statement, "Immanuel is a young, talented playmaker who we believe will provide a spark on both ends of the court. RJ is a versatile wing who is, of course, well-known in his hometown, and seeing him in a Raptors uniform will be a special moment for our fans and for all Canadians. It's never easy to say goodbye, especially when players like OG and Malachi have spent their careers with our team. We wish Precious, Malachi, and OG all the best." How will these moves affect both teams going forward this season?
