Knicks Trade Idea: Deal for Raptors' OG Anunoby?

Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby could be on the trade block. Could the New York Knicks make the move to acquire him?

Jeremy Brener | Jul 18, 2023

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New York Knicks

The New York Knicks could still look to make a big splash in the offseason on the trade market.

While there is a chance that the Knicks could wait a year until more desirable options become available, they could strike while the iron is hot and make a deal that will help them for this year.

Dan Favale of Bleacher Report suggested a trade that would net the Knicks a defensive stalwart in Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby in exchange for Evan Fournier, Quentin Grimes, Dallas' 2024 first-round pick (top-10 protected), Detroit's 2024 second-round pick, and New York's 2025 first-round pick (No. 1 protected).

"To be sure, the Knicks still have the assets to aim higher than Anunoby," Bleacher Report writes. "But it needs combo wings with size. Anunoby is that—and so much more. Some will quibble over Grimes' inclusion, but his spot in the rotation is already somewhat muddied by the addition of Donte DiVincenzo. Minutes will be harder to come by if he's in town with Anunoby, DiVincenzo and RJ Barrett."

Anunoby, 26, is due $18.6 million next season and has a $20 million player option for 2024-25, which means the Raptors could very well look for a trade for him before he has the chance to walk away in free agency without any return. The Indiana alum averaged 16.8 points and five rebounds this past season while shooting over 38 percent from beyond the three-point line, but his defense is where he makes his money. Set to enter his seventh season, Anunoby was a member of the All-NBA Defensive Second Team this season and has the potential to grow as he embarks on his late 20s.

He would fit the Knicks well, but New York must decide if it's ready to cash in its assets for a plus-player or wait it out until a bigger fish (like Joel Embiid?) becomes available.

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Published Jul 18, 2023

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.