At the NBA trade deadline this year, OG Anunoby was one of the main names that kept popping up in reports. Many expected the Toronto Raptors to gear up for a rebuild, but they decided to stand firm and keep their core intact.
As the offseason gets ready to get underway, Anunoby’s name is once again popping up around the league. The two-way forward was recently brought up as a potential trade candidate for the New York Knicks.
The Knicks are a team with the assets to get a deal done, and they have the means too. An elite 3-and-D player is essential to building a championship contender, which New York expects to become in the next few years.
After getting back into the postseason this year, New York will certainly be looking to upgrade its roster this summer. From a fit perspective, Anunoby is the exact kind of player they need. He is an elite perimeter defender that can take on the top matchup on a nightly basis. Plus, his offensive game has continually improved over the course of his career.
Anunoby, 25, is getting ready to enter the prime of his career. In 67 games for the Raptors last season, he averaged 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists.
The Raptors forward is under contract next season, and has a player option for 2025. With his salary around $18 million, the Knicks have multiple ways to get a deal done from a financial standpoint.
As for Toronto, New York could be an interesting trade partner for them. Along with having an array of draft picks, they also have multiple promising young players on their roster. This could help them speed up their rebuild if they do embrace a youth movement this summer.
Anunoby is a perfect fit for the Knicks, but acquiring him won’t be easy. If he’s made available, countless teams will be lining up with their best offers for him.
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