Knicks Ideal Trade Suitor For Raptors' O.G. Anunoby?
A lot of front-office personnel around the NBA are watching the New York Knicks ahead of the Feb. 9 trade deadline. If the opportunity arises, they can make a big move.
With just over a week until the NBA trade deadline, a smaller trade would be more realistic, especially given how much better they have played over the last few weeks. Numerous players have been linked to New York, including Toronto Raptors forward O.G. Anunoby.
Anunoby is producing a strong season for the Raptors, with averages of 16.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.1 steals. He's shooting 45.7 percent from the floor and 36.6 percent from beyond the arc. His two-way production (currently second in the league at 2.1 steals a game) intrigues many potential trade suitors.
Toronto may shake things up and begin a rebuild ahead of the deadline. If Anunoby were to be traded, one NBA executive told NBA Analysis Network that the Knicks would be an ideal destination. It would be a seamless fit for him to join their lineup.
“The Knicks want to compete right now, and they have the Mavs’ first-round pick in this year’s draft," the executive told NBA Analysis Network. "They have some young players and extra protected picks to work with, too. With (Jalen) Brunson, (Julius) Randle, and (RJ) Barrett, they have some firepower there. Add a bigger wing like Anunoby with some shooting ability, and they become an intriguing threat.”
With those four players, the Knicks would have an abundance of firepower, plus Anunoby fits head coach Tom Thibodeau's style as a player. With his improving offense and being one of the best defenders in the NBA, he can become a two-way star. As a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year, Anunoby has garnered some attention.
Of course, as with any trade, sacrifices will have to be made, and the Knicks might have to make a big one, as the executive hints that depth star Immanuel Quickley might have to head north to pull off any Anunoby deal.
“If I’m the Raptors, I’m asking for Quickley in part of a trade," the executive explained. "I like his upside and they should get another creator in there. Reddish is probably worth taking a calculated risk on as well. I’d probably want Derrick Rose’s contract as a filler since he has a team option next season and you can decline it.”
Right now, Anunoby doesn't sound too concerned about his name being included in NBA trade rumors, even as there have been various reports of his discontent with a limited role he faces with the Raptors. While there isn't major room for growth on the Knicks in terms of hoisting up shots, he could fill an integral role while benefiting from playing alongside a crafty guard like Jalen Brunson.
“It is what it is,” Anunoby told Sportsnet’s Michael Grange on Monday. “No, it doesn’t bother me. What can I do about it? I didn’t tell anyone to do that story or say whatever. It’s not my choice for whatever is going on to be going on. I can’t control it, so what’s the point of being mad about it?”
When you want to get talented players, you need to give up something valuable, and in this case, draft capital would likely set the tone for value. The Knicks, of course, are flush with draft capital, but it might take some established talents to convince Toronto to make a deal as it inches closer toward a full-on rebuild.
Perhaps Quickley could be of interest to them with Fred VanVleet nearing free agency. There are plenty of combinations that could be utilized with the young players the Knicks have, including Obi Toppin or Cam Reddish.
The 2023 NBA trade deadline is set to land on Feb. 9. In the meantime, the Knicks return to action on Thursday night against the Miami Heat (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG).
Grant Afseth is on Twitter @GrantAfseth
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