Raptors and Knicks make blockbuster NBA deal

RJ Barrett (Youtube)

The Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks had a blockbuster deal on Saturday, that completely changes the foundation of both franchises. With the Raptors acquiring shooting guards RJ Barrett of Toronto, Ontario, Canada and Immanuel Quickley of Havre de Grace, Maryland, the Raptors are attempting to improve the team offensively. Meanwhile, with the Knicks acquiring small forward OG Anunoby of London, England, point guard Malachi Flynn of Tacoma, Washington, and center Precious Achiuwa of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, the Knicks are attempting to improve their team defensively. The Raptors are also attempting to improve their future as they acquired a second round draft pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

In 2023-24, Barrett is averaging 18.2 points per game, 4.3 rebounds per game, and 2.4 assists per game. He has a field goal percentage of .423, three-point percentage of .331, and a free throw percentage of .831. Barrett also was part of the Canadian team that won the bronze medal in men’s basketball at the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Asia. 

Quickley has been extremely effective off the bench for the Knicks. He is averaging 15 points per game, 2.6 rebounds per game, 2.5 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of .454, three-point percentage of .395, and free throw percentage of .872. In Toronto, expect Barrett and Quickley to be part of the starting five according to ESPN. Quickley will play shooting guard, with Barrett moving from shooting guard to small forward.

Anunoby won the 2019 NBA Finals with the Raptors. He led the NBA last season with 1.9 steals per game. In 2023-24, Anunoby averaged 15.1 points per game, 3.9 rebounds per game, 2.6 assists per game, one steal per game, a field  goal percentage of .489, three-point percentage of .374 and free throw percentage of .717. Remember, the Knicks are without Mitchell Robinson with an ankle injury, and need a strong presence offensively and defensively in the paint.

The Knicks are currently eighth in the Eastern Conference at 17 wins and 15 losses. The Raptors are 12th in the Eastern Conference at 12 wins and 20 losses, and are two games back of the Chicago Bulls for the final spot in the play-in tournament.

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