Breaking Down Toronto's Blockbuster Deal: Who Went Where & Why
The Toronto Raptors have finally opted for change.
The Trade
New York Receives: OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn
Toronto Receives: RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Detroit's 2024 second-round pick.
Why Trade OG Anunoby?
The biggest reason for moving Anunoby now is his contract situation. Toronto was unable to sign him to an extension and he was heading toward unrestricted free agency and the risk he'd leave in free agency for nothing was clearly of concern for Toronto.
Why RJ Barrett?
Barrett's fit in Toronto is a little awkward. The 23-year-old Toronto native has shot 32.7% from three-point range over the past three seasons and, except for his sophomore season, he's never been a good three-point shooter. While he's a solid scorer, averaging 18.2 points per game this season, he's always been an inefficient shooter with a below-average True Shooting percentage.
That said, he's under contract on a four-year, $107 million deal starting this season and he provides Toronto some cost certainty moving forward.
Why Immanuel Quickley?
Quickley may be the big prize in this deal. The 24-year-old guard has blossomed into a valuable bench guard, averaging 15 points per game this season while shooting 39.5% from behind the arc.
The catch with Quickley is his contract. He's on an expiring deal and was unable to come to terms with the Knicks on an extension. Unlikely Anunoby, though, he'll be a restricted free agent in the summer meaning Toronto can match any offer that is made to him.
Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn
Achiuwa and Flynn had essentially fallen out of the rotation in Toronto and it was clear their time with the organization was coming to an end. For Achiuwa, it'll be a return home to New York where he'll have an opportunity to provide some depth in the front court.
Detroit second-round pick
Toronto didn't get a first-round pick for Anunoby but this is going to be pretty close to one. Detroit is currently the worst team in the NBA and it's entirely possible this pick ends up being the 31st selection in what's considered a pretty weak draft class.
