The New York Knicks entered Christmas Day’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks at 16-12 on the season and having struggled to an extent since a 8-5 start to the season.
It has led to continued speculation that front office head Leon Rose might look to make a big splash ahead of the Feb. 8 NBA trade deadline.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, that includes showing interest in Toronto Raptors wing OG Anunoby.
While nothing appears to be imminent on this front, it represents the latest speculation of New York being active on the NBA trade block. A previous report indicated that Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray is also a target of the Knicks.
Through roughly one-third of the season, New York ranks 15th in the league in scoring at 114.6 points per game. It is also ninth in the league in points against. That’s why it’s somewhat surprising that the Knicks are seemingly targeting a defensive-minded forward in Anunoby.
- OG Anunoby stats (2023-24): 14.8 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 2.7 APG, 48% shooting, 37% 3-point
Related: New York Knicks standing in Sportsnaut’s NBA power rankings
New York Knicks trade rumors heating up
There has been a lot of talks in recent months that the Raptors might look to move Anunoby. The 26-year-old forward has a player option worth $19.93 million for next season. He’s more than likely going to opt out and his the NBA free agent market.
Anunoby would be a nice fit next to former All-Star forward Julius Randle in New York’s frontcourt. He’d complement what Randle does on the offensive end of the court.
Randle entered Monday’s game averaging 22.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists on 46% shooting. It has been a rebound performance from the former NBA Comeback Player of the Year winner.
Add in Jalen Brunson’s excellence (25.6 PPG, 5.9 APG, 48%) and that’d make for a solid core four to go with R.J. Barrett.
The question here is compensation potentially heading back to Toronto. The Raptors would likely demand stud young guard Immanuel Quickley. Whether the Knicks would be willing to pay that remains to be seen.