(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
The Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks have made the first big trade of the NBA season.
As reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Knicks will acquire Raptors’ star forward OG Anunoby, in return for a package centered around Immanuel Quickley, Precious Achiuwa, RJ Barrett, and draft considerations.
Of course, fans had plenty to say about this big move, as it could have a serious ripple effect around the league.
Ayoooo??? Lowkey solid for both sides
— 𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙏 𝙉𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 (@HeatvsHaters) December 30, 2023
Raptors win this trade.
— Chamber (@ChamberRekt) December 30, 2023
OG ain’t worth that much
— HaterMuse (@HaterMuse) December 30, 2023
Quickley clearly wasn’t in New York’s future plans, and OG is better than RJ. As a standalone this is a lot to give up though. I can’t help but feel the Knicks have another pre-deadline move coming using their draft picks. This feels like a Part 1 piece of a bigger picture plan.
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) December 30, 2023
Who here had to check multiple times just to make sure this was the real Woj?
— Thomas Carrieri (@Thomas_Carrieri) December 30, 2023
For starters, this could pretty much be just the first of a string of moves by the Raptors, who could either decide to build around Barrett and Scottie Barnes or flip them for more assets.
Pascal Siakam has also been tangled up in countless trade rumors and seems unlikely to sign another deal with the organization.
On the other hand, this significantly raises the Knicks’ ceiling, even though losing an explosive scorer like Quickley is obviously a big blow, especially for their second unit.
Barrett has failed to take over as a star, and chances are he never will.
The Knicks now have an elite wing defender and a more athletic player, and while he’s not much of a shooter, he has expanded his range over time.
He’s a much better fit for what Tom Thibodeau wants to instill in the Big Apple, and his upside is simply much higher than Barrett’s.
The Knicks also have several draft picks to deal, so it wouldn’t be shocking to see them make some more moves.
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