The New York Knicks have been quite the surprise this season. Not only have they been in contention for a playoff spot, but they’re in contention for a top-four spot in the East as we approach the mid-point of the season. The Knicks are acquiring OG Anunoby from the Raptors in exchange for a package revolving around RJ Barrett, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Full trade details:
Knicks: Anunoby, Malachi Flynn and Precious Achiuwa
Raptors: RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, 2024 second-round pick

It wasn’t very long ago that Becky Hammon stated the Knicks needed another scorer, stating that Jalen Brunson was too small. The deal for Anunoby comes right before the new year. Anunoby has spent seven years with the Raptors and has always been linked to a trade. The Knicks have been one of the teams pursuing Anunoby for quite some time now.

He can be a legit scorer as maybe a third or fourth option, but his defense is his calling card. A season ago, Anunoby led the league in steals and was named to the All-NBA Defensive Second Team. The Knicks will likely sign the 26-year-old to

With the trade, the Knicks lose Barrett who has been featured as the team’s third option this season. He’s averaged 18.2 points and 4.3 rebounds per game this season. As well as Quickley who has been the go-to option off the bench. The latter has been chipping in 15.0 points and 2.6 rebounds per game.

The Knicks are getting some value back at a position they need. After losing Mitchell Robinson for what could be longer than originally expected, Achiuwa will provide some depth in the frontcourt. In 25 games this season, he’s averaged 7.7 points and 5.4 rebounds off the bench. Flynn has been a career backup point guard with some spot starts in his time with Toronto.

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