The Knicks swung for the fences when they traded for OG Anunoby last season. Nearly a year later, the move is proving to be nothing short of a home run.
What better time to revisit the blockbuster deal than Monday night, as Anunoby returned to Scotiabank Arena — where he spent his first 6.5 NBA seasons — as the centerpiece of a New York team with championship aspirations?
Since arriving at Madison Square Garden, Anunoby established himself as a force. His name echoes in chants from fans celebrating every defensive stop, transition dunk, and three-pointer — open or contested — that he’s drilled this season. And the scrutiny that initially surrounded the trade has long since given way applause, both for his impact and for a Knicks front office that bet big.
This was no easy decision.
Anunoby came with questions about his health and contractual future, while the price of dealing with Masai Ujiri’s Raptors was steep. But for New York, it was a no-brainer then, and it’s a no-brainer now.
THE BACKSTORY
Three key factors pushed the Knicks toward the deal that altered their trajectory.
First, RJ Barrett, a skilled scorer who thrives with the ball in his hands, struggled to complement Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle — both dominant offensive focal points. The fit just wasn’t there on offense, which didn’t help his negative minutes on defense.
Second, the Knicks and Immanuel Quickley were at an impasse in contract negotiations. With Brunson’s inevitable extension looming, New York had little room for Quickley’s desired payday.
Third, and most pressing, the Knicks’ defense lacked the consistency and edge synonymous with Tom Thibodeau-coached teams. Enter Anunoby, a player Toronto was willing to move as they began a rebuild.
With the Raptors ready to reset and the Knicks aiming for contention, the trade came together, tampering lawsuit notwithstanding.
THE DEAL
New York sent Barrett, Quickley, and the Detroit Pistons’ 2024 second-round pick (later used to draft Jonathan Mogbo 31st overall) to Toronto in exchange for Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn. Flynn was flipped in subsequent trade that brought Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks to New York — both of whom have since moved on.
The stakes were high. Anunoby was on an expiring contract and threatened to leave in free agency, but the Knicks re-signed him to a franchise-record five-year, $212.5 million deal in free agency. Critics of the deal wondered whether New York had overpaid in trade assets, cap space, or both.
THE IMPACT
Anunoby has transformed the Knicks. His defensive versatility and offensive growth have reshaped New York’s identity. Averaging a career-high 17.7 points per game, he’s the Knicks’ third-leading scorer on an offense that ranks first in efficiency. Meanwhile, his elite defense, guarding everyone from point guards to power forwards, has given the Knicks a weapon they sorely needed.
Anunoby has only made one All-Defensive Team in his career, but playing under the bright lights of MSG is likely to earn him even greater recognition.
“That’s surprising,” said Karl-Anthony Towns. “OG’s got All-Defensive Teams in his future, that’s for sure.”
The deal also delivered Achiuwa, who is proving to be much more than a throw-in. After losing Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency, the Knicks re-signed Achiuwa to a one-year, $6 million deal, banking on his potential. Though a hamstring injury sidelined him early this season, Achiuwa’s ability to guard multiple positions, crash the boards, and protect the paint makes him integral to fixing a Knicks defense that has yet to match the team’s offensive firepower.
Both teams appear to have benefited from the trade. Toronto is building for the future, with Barrett averaging career-highs in points (23.3), assists (5.9), and efficiency (45.8% FG), and Quickley shining when healthy, despite missing significant time this season.
For the Knicks, the window is open now, and Anunoby’s arrival helped pry it open.
They made a bold move for the former Raptors star, and so far, it’s paid off in spades. His return to Toronto on Monday was more than just another game — it was a reminder of how far New York has come and how much further they have to go.
The Raptors won their gamble by committing to a rebuild. The Knicks won theirs by betting on a championship core.
Now, it’s up to New York to prove the trade wasn’t just a home run but a championship clincher.
