The Toronto Raptors have agreed to trade forward OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks, according to multiple reports. The Knicks are sending players and draft picks to Toronto in return.
Background leading up to the trade
Anunoby had emerged as one of the Raptors’ core players over the last few seasons. The 25-year-old forward was averaging a career-high 18.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game this season. However, with the Raptors struggling near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, rumors began swirling that Toronto could look to trade Anunoby and other veterans to kickstart a rebuild.
The Knicks had also underperformed this season after making the playoffs last year. With Anunoby’s defensive versatility and ability to play multiple positions, he was seen as a potential impact acquisition to strengthen New York’s roster.
According to reports, the Knicks aggressively pursued an Anunoby trade over the last several weeks. Toronto was said to be seeking a “haul of assets” in return for their talented wing player.
Trade details
- Knicks receive: Forward OG Anunoby
- Raptors receive: Guards Immanuel Quickley and Quentin Grimes, 2024 1st round draft pick, 2026 1st round draft pick
By acquiring two young players in Quickley and Grimes, as well as two future 1st rounders, the Raptors have scored significant assets that can help build towards their next competitive window. The draft picks also give Toronto flexibility to make more moves down the line.
For New York, Anunoby brings the type of defensive toughness, versatility, and shooting ability that the team needs on the wing. He can slide between both forward spots and is an ideal fit next to Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson.
What this means for the Knicks
Adding OG Anunoby gives the Knicks a potential All-Defensive team player who is also scoring at career-best levels this season. He will bring much-needed perimeter defense while also providing secondary scoring next to Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson.
Anunoby’s ability to defend multiple positions makes him invaluable in today’s positionless NBA. He can match up with wings, guards, and even some bigs depending on the situation. This will give head coach Tom Thibodeau more flexibility with his lineups at both ends.
The trade also shows that the Knicks are serious about building a competitive team right now around Randle and Brunson. Rather than purely accumulating assets for the future, New York has acquired an impact veteran who can raise the team’s ceiling on both ends of the court.
Potential Knicks depth chart after the trade:
| Position | Starter | Bench |
|---|---|---|
| PG | Jalen Brunson | Derrick Rose |
| SG | Quentin Grimes | Evan Fournier |
| SF | RJ Barrett | Cam Reddish |
| PF | Julius Randle | Obi Toppin |
| C | Mitchell Robinson | Jericho Sims |
What this means for the Raptors
Trading OG Anunoby signals a transition towards a full rebuild for the Raptors. Rather than remaining stuck in mediocrity, Toronto has cashed in a valuable trade chip to gather assets for the future.
The two future 1st round picks will give the Raptors ammunition to make more moves down the line. Either as part of a package for another star player, or using the picks themselves to select potential franchise cornerstones in the draft.
Immanuel Quickley and Quentin Grimes also represent young talents that Toronto can develop or use as trade chips in the coming years. Both players are only 23 years old and have shown flashes of starting-caliber potential.
In the short term, trading Anunoby will likely lead to more playing time for younger Raptors like Scottie Barnes, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn. The team will shift focus to developing their guys for the next era of competitive Raptors basketball, even if it leads to more losses this season.
Trading their most established veteran player signals that Toronto is now clearly focused on the long-term vision rather than clinging to moderate success year-to-year.
What happens next
For both teams, attention will now turn to integrating their new players and figuring out updated rotations.
The Knicks hope that Anunoby can help elevate them from play-in team to true playoff contender in the East. With the top of the conference so strong, it remains to be seen whether Anunoby alone is enough to make New York a top-4 seed.
As for Toronto, expect trade rumors to continue swirling around veterans like Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr., and others. The Raptors will likely continue fielding calls on those players leading up to the trade deadline as they determine whether to make any more deals. Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes now faces even more responsibility as a primary building block for Toronto’s next generation.
Both fanbases will be eager to see their new-look teams take the court following this blockbuster trade sending OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks.
To err is human, but AI does it too. Whilst factual data is used in the production of these articles, the content is written entirely by AI. Double check any facts you intend to rely on with another source.
