The Toronto Raptors have made a huge blockbuster trade.
In the mists of 12-19 record, the Raptors finally shake things up.
The Raptors are sending O.G. Anunoby, Malachi Flynn and Precious Achiuwa to the New York Knicks for RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and a 2024 second-round pick according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski:
The Toronto Raptors are finalizing a trade to send OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks for a package including RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and draft considerations, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/Z81TH1EexF
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 30, 2023
According to Wojnarowski the Knicks have been pursuing Anunoby for a significant period of time and are determined to re-sign him as a free agent this summer.
The Raptors are getting back Barrett who is from Canada, Quickley who will be a nice fit with them at point guard and a 2024 second-round pick via the Detroit Pistons.
Barrett is averaging 18.2 points and 4.3 rebounds per game this season. Meanwhile, Quickley is averaging career highs in points (15.0), field goal percentage (45.4) and 3-point field goal percentage (39.5) this season.
Quickley finished second in the Sixth Man of the Year voting last season.
Toronto could also do a lot more and don’t appear to be done.
According to Wojnarowski, the Raptors could also look to deal Pascal Siakam:
“Toronto is expected to continue to explore trades involving forward Pascal Siakam, but there are no deals with traction now, sources said. Both Siakam and Anunoby could be free agents this summer.”
This is the first trade between the teams since 2013 and comes in the mists on their ongoing legal battle.
Raptors needed a change
Toronto needed to make a change in the mists of their struggles and finally do so.
They ship long time Raptor Anunoby to New York, but get tremendous value back in Barrett who is a talented wing and Quickley who is the dynamic guard the Raptors needed.
We’ll see what more Masai Ujiri has in store after this.
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