NEW YORK — The New York Knicks traded RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to the Toronto Raptors on Saturday and acquired again OG Anunoby, dealing two of their prime offensive gamers however seemingly getting a lift to their protection with final season’s NBA chief in steals.
The Knicks additionally acquired Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn, whereas sending the Raptors a 2024 second-round decide belonging to Detroit.
The deal, which sends Barrett to his hometown staff, left each golf equipment short-handed for his or her video games Saturday night time. The Raptors have been in Detroit, the place the Pistons have been making an attempt to keep away from an NBA-record twenty ninth consecutive loss, whereas the Knicks have been in Indiana.
“Immanuel is a young, talented playmaker who we believe will provide a spark on both ends of the court. RJ is a versatile wing who is, of course, well-known in his hometown, and seeing him in a Raptors uniform will be a special moment for our fans and for all Canadians,” Toronto vice chairman and president Masai Ujiri mentioned in an announcement.
“It’s never easy to say goodbye, especially when players like OG and Malachi have spent their careers with our team. We wish Precious, Malachi and OG all the best.”
The deal comes 4 months after the Knicks filed a lawsuit in opposition to the Raptors, alleging that they had conspired to steal 1000’s of movies and different scouting secrets and techniques after hiring a former Knicks scouting worker.
Anunoby figures to step proper into Barrett‘s forward spot in the Knicks‘ starting lineup. The 6-foot-7 swingman is averaging 15.1 points and had his highest-scoring game of the season when the Raptors visited the Knicks on Dec. 11, scoring 29 points.
“OG’s full offensive sport and talent to defend a number of positions will improve our staff on each ends of the court docket,” Knicks president Leon Rose mentioned.
Barrett averages 18.2 factors however has struggled these days along with his exterior shot, going 2 for 12 from 3-point vary over the past two video games. The No. 3 decide within the 2019 draft helped the Knicks attain the playoffs twice within the final three seasons after lacking them the earlier seven.
Quickley was the runner-up for the Sixth Man of the Year award final season, however there was hypothesis he may very well be moved because the Knicks declined to present him a contract extension earlier than this season. They must exchange his 15 factors per sport off the bench and talent to play each guard positions.
“RJ and Immanuel both began their professional careers in Knicks uniforms and their contributions both on and off the court have had a great impact on this city and organization,” Rose added.
Achiuwa averaged 8.9 factors and 6.1 rebounds in 153 video games for the Raptors after they acquired him from Miami in August 2021. The 6-8 ahead may assist the Knicks up entrance after they misplaced beginning middle Mitchell Robinson to a stress fracture in his ankle.
Flynn was a 2020 first-round decide who averaged 5.4 factors in 175 video games for the Raptors.
The commerce was first reported by ESPN.
