Knicks Prepared For Barrett, Quickley's Return as Raptors
When the Toronto Raptors visit the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG), it will be a homecoming for two players returning to the spot where their careers began.
On Dec. 30, the Knicks traded for OG Anunoby along with Malachi Flynn and Precious Achiuwa from the Raptors in exchange for RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and a 2024 second-round pick. Barrett and Quickley will take to the MSG floor as opponents for the first time with Toronto's visit, the third game of a lengthy homestand.
Though Toronto (16-26) sits outside of the current Eastern Conference playoff picture, Saturday is a date the current Knicks have had circled on their calendar over the last few weeks.
Brian Fluharty, USA TODAY SPORTS
"Being teammates with those guys for two years, those guys mean a lot to me," Brunson said via SNY. "They kind of welcomed me here. Helped introduce things to this team and obviously the city and stuff like that. We have a great relationship and those guys mean a lot to me. Wish them all the best and obviously hope they don't play well on Saturday. Those guys are capable of doing big things."
"I'm excited for the Garden to give them a warm welcome because it's much deserved," Donte DiVincenzo added (h/t New York Basketball on X). "They're going come in Saturday with…a point to prove…We just have to lock in…not get too keen on what they're doing (and) get a W."
Since the trade, both Quickley and Barrett have been playing at a high level, even as Toronto continues to sell off assets such as Pascal Siakam.
In 10 games with Toronto, Quickley has been a staple in the Toronto starting lineup and is averaging 18.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists while shooting 45.2 percent from three. Barrett is averaging 20.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in that same span while shooting over 54 percent from the floor, which would stand as a career-best by far.
