The New York Knicks have reached a deal to acquire forward OG Anunoby, guard Malachi Flynn and forward Precious Achiuwa from the Toronto Raptors for guard-forward RJ Barrett, guard Immanuel Quickley and a 2024 second-round pick, a person with direct knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports.
The person requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly until the trade is official.
The Raptors are a team that is looking to reshape its roster with key players nearing the end of their contracts. Anunoby, 26, is in the third year of a four-year, $72 million contract but can exercise a player option and become a free agent after this season.
Anunoby is a two-way player who earned All-Defense honors and led the NBA in steals (1.9 per game) in 2022-23. This season, Anunoby is averaging 15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.0 steals on 48.9% from the field and 37.4% on 3-pointers.
The 17-14 Knicks are No. 15 defensively, and Anunoby should give them a boost on that end.
However, the Knicks lose some scoring with Barrett and Quickley going to Toronto. For Barrett, it’s a homecoming. Born in Toronto, Barrett, the No. 3 pick in the 2019 draft, averages 18.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists. Quickley averages 15 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists and shoots 39.5% on 3s.
Barrett’s four-year, $107 million deal expires after the 2026-27 season, and Quickley is a restricted free agent after this season.
This deal officially kicks off the NBA’s trade deadline season – the deadline is Feb. 8. And the Raptors may not be done making trades as teams monitor the availability of forward Pascal Siakam who is the final year of his four-year, $136.9 million contract.