Raptors President Comments on Team's Blockbuster Trade With Knicks

Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri commented on the team's trade with the New York Knicks and the additions of RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley

Change is exciting.

After a year and a half of stagnation, the Toronto Raptors have finally picked a direction, trading OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn to the New York Knicks for RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and a second-round pick from the Detroit Pistons.

It’s not the rebuild or teardown some may have hoped for but it’s a move to get younger and look toward the future with players the Raptors can keep together moving forward.

“We’re excited about welcoming Immanuel and RJ to our team,” Raptors president Masai Ujiri said in a press release. “Immanuel is a young, talented playmaker who we believe will provide a spark on both ends of the court. RJ is a versatile wing who is, of course, well-known in his hometown, and seeing him in a Raptors uniform will be a special moment for our fans and for all Canadians.”

Neither player will be in Detroit on Saturday, but there’s an expectation that they’ll join the club likely on Monday when Toronto returns home to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“It’s never easy to say goodbye, especially when players like OG and Malachi have spent their careers with our team,” Ujiri said. “We wish Precious, Malachi and OG all the best.”

Toronto is not expected to be done yet. Multiple reports indicate Pascal Siakam could be dealt ahead of the Feb. 8 trade deadline as well and Gary Trent Jr.’s future with the team remains uncertain as he heads toward unrestricted free agency.

What is clear, though, is the Raptors are ready to begin making moves.

That should be refreshing.