Fallen NBA contenders ‘blow it up’ in blockbuster trade with New York Knicks

The NBA’s mid-season trade period has kicked off with a blockbuster move that shows one fallen contender is ready to “blow it up”.

In the first major trade of the NBA season, the New York Knicks struck a seismic deal to acquire Toronto Raptors wing OG Anunoby in exchange for RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley.

Anunoby, seen as one of the NBA’s best defenders, will likely replace Barrett in New York’s lineup and is theoretically a better positional fit in a lineup with Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson because he spaces the floor and doesn’t need the ball in his hands.

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The NY Post reports the Knicks gave up a second-round pick in the swap but will also land Toronto big man Precious Achiuwa, who can assist with the current crunch at centre.

New York is also sending the Pistons’ 2024 second-round pick in the deal, which is projected to be fairly valuable in the early 30s.

The 26-year-old Anunoby, who recently switched representation from Klutch Sports to CAA, is averaging 15.1 points for the Raptors on 49 per cent shooting — including a respectable 37 per cent from beyond the arc.

He’s earning USD$18.6 million with a USD$20 million option for next season, meaning Anunoby could become an unrestricted free agent in the summer.

Immanuel Quickley is leaving the Knicks for the Raptors. Carmen Mandato/Getty Images/AFP.

The Raptors are trading fan favourite OG Anunoby. Photo: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images/AFP.

“Oh my goodness….” Quickley posted on X shortly after the news broke that he was being sent packing to Toronto.

Quickley’s stunned reaction came just a few days after his last X post that read: “GOT A DUB IN THE GARDEN ON CHRISTMAS!!! MAN GOD IS GOOD!!!”

Oh my goodness….

— Immanuel Jaylen Quickley (@IQ_GodSon) December 30, 2023

Renowned as one of the toughest negotiators in the NBA, Toronto’s decision to move a key player and fan favourite in Anunoby signals they are leaning into a rebuild.

Pascal Sakiam, another player from their 2019 championship team, could also be on the trade block if the Raptors decide to rebuild completely around young star Scottie Barnes.

The trade package is a long way from Toronto’s previously stated wish for four first-round picks for Anunoby or Siakam.

NBA writer Evan Sibery tweeted: “Toronto is finally ready to blow it all up and rebuild around Scottie Barnes.”

Four first round picks they said.

— Taco Trey Kerby (@treykerby) December 30, 2023

It’s a rare moment for me — I actually like this trade for both teams! https://t.co/zZ6LRWVJP4

— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) December 30, 2023

I love this trade for the Knicks. OG Anunoby is an upgrade from RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley just wasn’t part of their future next to Jalen Brunson.

OG is one of the league’s best defenders, a good shooter, just steady all around. Basically what the Knicks hoped RJ could be…

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) December 30, 2023

Barrett, 23, meanwhile, is gone after becoming the Knicks’ highest draft pick since Patrick Ewing.

His up-and-down Knicks career finished in over four seasons with averages of 18.1 points on 42 per cent shooting. This deal sends the Toronto native back home.

Quickley has shined this season but became a trade candidate after he and the Knicks failed to agree to an extension in the summer.

RJ Barrett is also heading to the Raptors. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Getty Images)

His departure clears up the glut at guard that had become an issue with players since there were only a finite amount of minutes for Quickley, Quentin Grimes and Donte DiVincenzo.

Now, Grimes and DiVincenzo can split those minutes, and Anunoby moves to small forward.

The Knicks still have several first-round picks and Evan Fournier’s expiring contract to dangle before the trade deadline.

They could also hold on to Fournier and pick up his team option to use in a deal as an expiring contract in the summer.

The deal between the Raptors and Knicks comes as both franchises are pitted against each other in a lawsuit over alleged stolen scouting secrets.

This article originally appeared in the NY Post and was reproduced with permission.