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The New York Knicks finally made a blockbuster move.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Knicks are acquiring All-Defensive wing OG Anunoby for a package including RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and a 2024 second-round pick via the Detroit Pistons.
Last season’s league leader in steals, Anunoby is set to replace Barrett in the starting lineup giving the Knicks an elite perimeter defender.
The Knicks made this trade with the intention of re-signing Anunoby, who is expected to decline his $19.9 million player option next season.
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, “Saturday is the last day that Anunoby is eligible to sign a four-year $116.9 million extension with the Knicks.”
”Starting on December 31, Anunoby is eligible to extend for two years worth $40 million,” Marks added.
But on June 30, 2024, Anunoby will be eligible to sign a four-year extension worth $117 million.
RJ Barrett Goes Home
On the other hand, the Raptors absorbed Barrett’s $107 million, four-year extension that could reach up to $120 million, which will kick in next season.
The blockbuster trade also brings Barrett home. The third overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft has not lived up to the hype in New York marked by inconsistent performances.
Meanwhile, Quickley will have his shot to start with the Raptors who have lost Fred VanVleet to free agency in the offseason.
The Knicks and Quickley were far apart from an extension deal last summer.
Also included in the deal is Raptors big man Precious Achiuwa, who will help fill the Mitchell Robinson void.
The 6-foot-8 Achiuwa, who played in Bronx and Newark, is a former McDonald’s All-American in high school. Achiuwa can also play backup to Julius Randle at power forward.
The deal left the Knicks’ cache of first-round picks still intact in anticipation of a bigger deal next summer.
Why the Knicks Made the Trade
Fresh from his All-NBA Second Defensive Team selection, Anunoby will not only give the Knicks a more solid perimeter defense. He is also a more consistent 3-point shooter than Barrett. A career 37.5% 3-point shooter, Anunoby has never shot below 36% from deep since 2018-19, the season before Barrett entered the league.
Barrett’s defense has regressed over time and his outside shot remains suspect. He is only knocking down 34.5% of his 3s this season as he cooled off after a hot start. Barrett has not shot above 35% from downtown since his career-high 40.1% during his sophomore year, which proves to be an outlier.
Quentin Grimes Is Now Undisputed 6th Man
With Barrett and Quickley no longer in New York, third-year guard Quentin Grimes will have the keys to the Knicks’ second-unit offense.
Earlier in the season, Grimes griped about his lack of touches, prompting Tom Thibodeau to remove him from the starting lineup.
Now, Grimes will have the ball in his hands. Seldom-used Miles McBride will also have the opportunity to earn a spot in the rotation.
Grimes scored 19 points in the lone game he played without Quickley this season. With Quickley, Grimes only averaged 5.6 points on 5.5 attempts at a horrible 37% field goal shooting in 28 games this season.
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