Knicks Trade RJ Barrett to the Raptors

The New York Knicks have RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and a second-round pick to the Toronto Raptors for OG Anunoby.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, the Knicks will also receive Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn.

“Breaking: The Toronto Raptors are trading OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium,” Sharania posted on X.

Anunoby will become a free agent this summer and the Raptors were unable to come to terms on an extension with him due to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which limited his maximum allowable extension. The situation likely forced the Raptors into a trade as the risk of losing Anunoby for nothing in free agency was concerning.

The 26-year-old forward is one of the best defenders in the NBA, a good shooter, and just a steady all around player. Basically, what the Knicks hoped Barrett could be next to Jalen Brunson. The seven-year veteran averaged 15.1 points, 3,9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and one steal in 33.3 minutes over 27 games this season, shooting 48.9 percent from the field and 37.4 percent from 3-point range.

Barrett, a Toronto-native, returns home. The 23-year-old has struggled to live up to his prospect hype as the No. 3 pick in the 2019 Draft, but he’s shown All-Star potential at times, and he is a valuable starter. Barrett is averaging 18.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 29.5 minutes over 26 games this season, shooting 42.3 percent from the field and 33.1 percent from behind the arc.

Per Ian Begley of SNY “RJ Barrett loves New York and loved the idea of remaining in New York, per sources familiar with the matter. But if he’s going to play somewhere else, he sees Toronto as a great option, those sources said. Obviously it’s his home city and he’s a big part of Canadian National team.”