OG Anunoby trade ensures the Knicks keep taking steps forward

Heading into the season, the New York Knicks were banking on internal improvements. The front office had made moves to improve on the fringes but relied on Immanuel Quickley, Quentin Grimes and RJ Barrett taking a leap to help push the team forward. On Saturday, though, the Knicks flipped the script. They sent out Barrett and Quickley, along with a second-round pick to acquire OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa and Malaki Flynn. 

Yes, New York paid a high price to get the trade over the line. However, they landed the most talented player in the deal. Anunoby is among the best wing defenders in the NBA. He was part of the All-Defensive second team last season. He brings size and length next to Julius Randle and has a consistency to his game that makes him a reliable secondary or tertiary scoring option. 

This season, Anunoby is averaging 15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, shooting 48.9% from the field and 37.4% from three-point range. Couple that scoring output with his defensive upside and New York should be excited about what he brings to the roster. 

Achiuwa is also an underrated pickup for New York. He is the type of player Tom Thibodeau will love. Big, strong, high-motor and committed to putting in work on the glass. With Mitchell Robinson out for the season, Achiuwa will provide valuable depth and production at the center position, likely as a backup for Isaiah Hartenstein. 

Between Anunoby and Achiuwa, New York has leaned into the identity they have been trying to build. Granted, neither are the star addition the Knicks have been waiting for, but the front office managed to get the trade done without giving up any of their first-round picks. Such a stockpile of draft capital will ensure the Knicks remain competitive if or when a star player becomes disgruntled and lands on the trade market. 

New York didn't hit the home run many were hoping for. Still, Anunoby was a highly coveted talent around the league. Adding him makes the team's roster stronger. Getting Achiuwa was a bonus that will also pay dividends. All that's left is to see the new-look rotation in action on the court. Thankfully, we won't need to wait long.