NBA Trade Regrade: OG Anunoby is Everything the Knicks Hoped For.
nba-trade-regrade.
When the New York Knicks traded RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to the Toronto Raptors for OG Anunoby in late December 2023, it was a bold and controversial move. Many fans questioned giving up two young, promising players — especially Quickley, a spark plug off the bench — for a forward who, while solid, wasn’t a household star. But just a few months into Anunoby’s tenure in New York, the deal has proven to be exactly what the Knicks needed. Now, it’s time to regrade that trade — and it’s looking like a clear win for New York.
Anunoby brought precisely the blend of elite defense, versatility, and off-ball efficiency the Knicks lacked. His immediate impact on the team’s defensive identity was striking. After his arrival, the Knicks’ defensive rating soared, with OG anchoring a lineup that routinely shut down elite wings and perimeter threats. His size, strength, and basketball IQ gave Tom Thibodeau a reliable defensive stopper, the likes of which the team hadn’t had since prime Iman Shumpert.
nba-trade-regrade.
But Anunoby wasn’t just a defensive specialist. His offensive game — particularly his cutting, corner three-point shooting, and transition finishing — fit seamlessly into the Knicks’ system. He didn’t need to dominate the ball, which allowed Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle to continue thriving as primary scorers. Anunoby averaged roughly 14 points per game on efficient shooting splits, often serving as a release valve when plays broke down.
Perhaps even more importantly, OG’s presence changed the team’s chemistry and mentality. His calm demeanor and workmanlike approach mirrored Thibodeau’s coaching philosophy. The Knicks played with greater intensity and cohesion, going on a significant win streak after the trade. Their status as a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference was, in no small part, due to Anunoby’s contributions.
There were concerns about his injury history, and he did miss a stretch of games with elbow and hamstring issues. However, when healthy, he proved indispensable. The Knicks’ record with Anunoby in the lineup compared to without him made the impact undeniable.
nba-trade-regrade.
From Toronto’s side, the trade was more of a long-term bet. RJ Barrett returned home and showed flashes of renewed confidence, and Quickley brought pace and scoring to a rebuilding Raptors team. Yet, neither player brought the kind of immediate two-way impact that Anunoby delivered in New York. Time may even out the scales for Toronto, but in terms of 2024 performance, the Knicks clearly came out ahead.
Regrade: Knicks — A; Raptors — B-
The Knicks got exactly what they needed: a perfect defensive wing to complement their stars, and a culture fit that elevated their ceiling. OG Anunoby has proven to be more than worth the price. If he re-signs long-term — and all signs suggest he will — this could go down as one of the best in-season trades in franchise history.
Leave a Reply