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3 Rumored Knicks trade targets not worth giving up RJ Barrett for

By Mark Nilon

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MARCH 23: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks reacts against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center on March 23, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MARCH 23: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks reacts against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center on March 23, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /
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O.G. Anunoby, Toronto Raptors. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) – New York Knicks
O.G. Anunoby, Toronto Raptors. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) – New York Knicks /

1. O.G. Anunoby

O.G. Anunoby has been viewed as a target for the Knicks for quite some time now, with reports of the franchise’s interest dating back to the 2023 trade deadline.

With his combination of a two-way skill set along with championship experience (won a title with the Raptors back in 2019), it seems to make perfect sense why New York would be heavily invested in bringing on a player like the Toronto stud.

However, more times than not, the trade packages constructed that would theoretically net Anunoby seem to have Barrett included, which is something people need to think twice about.

At first glance, the Raptors’ wing is viewed as the more coveted player of the two with his more enviable shooting splits and his slightly better defensive efficiency, but upon further inspection, it’s Barrett who should be the name the Knicks should wish to hold onto in any such pursuit.

From his already proven abilities as a top-two or top-three scoring option (averaging 19.1 points on nearly 35 percent shooting from deep since 2020-21) to his more desirable age (three years Anunoby’s younger at 23 years old), the wing has showcased an ability to thrive within this rotation (albeit, not as consistent as many would hope) and still has plenty of upside to his game considering his untapped potential, particularly in the shooting department.

On top of this, Anunoby has struggled significantly to stay on the floor since entering the league back in 2017 and has played in less than 50 games in 2020-21 and 2021-22 as a result of injuries.

The 26-year-old is a solid player, but one who seems to be limited to being a better-than-solid starting wing, which, though by no means is a bad thing, is not something worth parting with a just recently extended former third overall pick for.

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