Could New York Knicks Revisit OG Anunoby Trade?

A trade for Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby could bolster the New York Knicks' already impressive defense.

As they look to leap into the upper half of the Eastern Conferece playoff bracket, the New York Knicks have been involved in their fair share of trade rumors over the course of the last several months.

The latest, from Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley, has three targets for the Knicks to keep an eye on Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby is perhaps the most intriguing. Anunoby has been one of the league's best defenders since arriving as a first-round pick in 2017, notably leading the league in steals at 1.9 a game. 

"If the Raptors are ready to reset around Scottie Barnes, then the Knicks should be ready to put a massive offer on the table for OG Anunoby," Buckley writes. "He won't come cheaply, but New York has enough assets to potentially win an aggressive bidding war."

Anunoby defended by Jalen Brunson during a Knicks-Raptors game last season / USA TODAY SPORTS

New York reportedly expressed interest in an Anunoby deal at last year's trade deadline but opted to chase Josh Hart instead. Trading for Anunoby would further complement the Knicks' already impressive defense: the team ranks fifth in defensive rating entering Tuesday night action and has allowed the fewest points a game at 105.8. 

This time around, Anunoby has upped his offensive game: in nine appearances this season, he is averaging 15.6 points on 47.7 from the field. The versatility and consistency that Anunoby brings would be a huge asset to the Knicks if the team decides to move its precious assets (such as numerous first-round picks with varying layers of protection) to get him. 

Knicks' Successful Road Trip Earns Jump in NBA Power Rankings

After a 2-4 start, the Knicks (8-6) have won six of their last eight thanks to an offensive resurgence headlined by Julius Randle. Time will tell if New York management believes that Anunoby is the star that pushes them into the upper half of the top-heavy Eastern Conference.

But recent events hint that the Knicks and Raptors might not be on trade-speaking terms: the two Atlantic Division rivals are currently engaged in a legal battle where the Knicks are seeking over $10 million in damages for the Raptors' alleged theft of proprietary information. 

New York and Toronto face off for the first of four times on Dec. 1. In the meantime, the Knicks return to Madison Square Garden on Friday night against Miami (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG/ESPN).