Knicks Trade Rumors: New York has Western Conference competition for Raptors’ OG Anunoby
As suspected, the New York Knicks are interested in trading for OG Anuoby, but it’s all going to depend on what the Raptors decide to do. If Toronto decides to be sellers and build around Scottie Barnes, New York will be one of the many teams to go after Anunoby.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania (subscription required), “The Knicks and Suns are among the interested suitors in Raptors forward OG Anunoby, sources say.”
Per SNY’s Ian Begley, New York inquired about Anunoby before the winning streak back in December and The Toronto Star reported that one team had previously offered “three first-round picks” for Anunoby. Begley reported that the Knicks were “comfortable” offering multiple first-round picks and Charania confirmed that with his report that the team has “shown a willingness to offer multiple first-round picks.”
As Shams noted, the Suns have control of their eight first-round picks through 2030, so it’s going to take New York outbidding a team like Phoenix for Anunoby.
Knicks, Suns are among the two teams interested in trading for Raptors’ OG Anunoby
With all eyes on what the Raptors will be doing leading up to Feb. 9, Charania noted that “rival teams have been informed that the franchise will make a decision about being a buyer or seller – or standing pat – near deadline day.” The trade deadline is 10 days away, so it won’t be too much longer until Toronto makes a decision on how to approach the future.
Trading for Anunoby would be a huge deal for the Knicks as they fight to remain in play-in range with Mitchell Robinson out. The organization was ridiculed for not getting Donovan Mitchell over the offseason and because New York didn’t make a big trade, many assumed that the Knicks would sit toward the bottom of the Eastern Conference. The Knicks sit at No. 7 in the standings, one game back from the Heat. Getting Anunoby could be what helps New York secure a top-six finish.
The Knicks have the picks to get a deal done, so it could come down to what players New York is willing to include. Here’s a reasonable trade idea from Raptors Rapture that would see Immanuel Quickley, Cam Reddish, Isaiah Hartenstein, two first-round picks, and a second-round pick go to Toronto for Anunoby. That would be a good trade for the Knicks, although it’d be tough for fans to see Quickley go. However, that seems to be what it’s going to take to get Anunoby.
Soon enough, we’ll know what the Raptors plan to do ahead of the deadline. Will Anunoby be a Knick? Or will Phoenix swoop in? Or will another team be the one to get him? There’s always the chance that he’ll remain in Toronto, too. We’ll just have to wait and see.
