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Knicks Celebrate OG Anunoby Trade Anniversary

OG Anunoby was traded to the New York Knicks one year ago today.

Jeremy Brener

Dec 28, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Malcolm Brogdon (15) shoots the ball as New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) defends in the fourth quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Dec 28, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Malcolm Brogdon (15) shoots the ball as New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) defends in the fourth quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images / Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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It's been one year since the New York Knicks acquired OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn from the Toronto Raptors for RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and a future second-round pick.

While there are many pieces to the trade, the most notable has been Anunoby, who has completely transformed the shape of the Knicks as we know it.

There have been ups and downs during Anunoby's first year with the Knicks, but he has raised the potential of the franchise, and they wouldn't be where they are without him. He has been injured throughout the year, but the hope that he has brought to the Knicks shouldn't go unnoticed.

One could argue that without Anunoby, trades for Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns aren't made, so the deal was the first domino towards becoming one of the true contenders in the Eastern Conference.

The biggest knock on the Anunoby trade has been his health. He was injured back in February and March after a sizzling start in January for the team. Then, he was hurt again during the team's playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, and that was a big part of the reason why the Knicks couldn't get past the second round of the postseason.

There was some uncertainty in the summer in regards to whether he would re-sign with the Knicks, but he signed a long-term deal keeping him in the Big Apple for the next five years for $212.5 million, making him the highest-paid player on the team.

Since then, Anunoby has established himself as the defensive centerpiece for the Knicks, and in order to compete for championships, you need a player like that.

If the future is like anything from this first year, the Knicks hope Anunoby can continue to be that for them for many years to come.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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