Knicks: 3 Mitchell Robinson trades that make NY better

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 29: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks smiles as the game ends against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on February 29, 2020 in New York City.The New York Knicks defeated the Chicago Bulls 125-115.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 29: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks smiles as the game ends against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on February 29, 2020 in New York City.The New York Knicks defeated the Chicago Bulls 125-115.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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Aug 21, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby (3) makes a reverse dunk against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half in game three of the first round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at The Field House. The Toronto Raptors won 117-92. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Mitch Trade Idea: OG Anunoby and Top-10 Protected 2022 1st for Mitchell Robinson and Reggie Bullock

This one might come as a bit of a surprise, as most couldn’t imagine the Toronto Raptors parting ways with fan-favorite OG Anunoby. The fact is, the way this team is structured today, I don’t see a way they can compete with the top teams in the East without acquiring another superstar to pair with Spicy P. If they re-sign OG, it will completely take them out of the running for any of the top available free agents in 2021, more specifically Giannis Antetokounmpo.

By adding Robinson, it will keep a competitive team on the floor for them in the 2020 season, while also buying them an extra year before they have to decide what to do with Mitch’s contract. The Raptors would most likely keep Lowry and Fred VanVleet at the 1 and 2, Pascal Siakam would move over to SF position, Boucher would become the new power forward, and that would, of course, move Aron Baynes to the bench. The Raptors also replace Anunoby with a valuable 3-and-D wing in Reggie Bullock.

The Knicks however would be adding someone who I believe fits Coach Tom Thibodeau’s defense scheme the best out of everyone else on the current roster. OG Anunoby is a light-out defender, shoots close to 40% from deep, and effectively takes the other team’s best scorer out of the game almost entirely. The trade also provides the Knicks with yet another 1st rounder to add to the pot, which makes it a grand total of 9 over the next 6 seasons. Wow.

A realistic Knicks lineup now with OG would be Elfrid Payton, RJ Barrett, OG Anunoby, Julius Randle, Nerlens Noel.