With concerns about the long-term health of OG Anunoby, the New York Knicks have reportedly completed a blockbuster trade for a pair of swingmen that should have a major impact on the team for the rest of the season.
Since their December trade for the former Toronto Raptors star, the Knicks have been one of the best teams in the league. However, late in January, the 3-and-D specialist incurred an injury the organization described as elbow inflammation. But on Wednesday, a new injury report revealed Anunoby is dealing with bone spurs in his shooting elbow.
With his return up in the air, the franchise pulled off a major trade to bolster the starting lineup and bench hours before the NBA trade deadline. The Athletic and FanDuel NBA insider Shams Charania was one of the first to reveal that the Knicks have made a deal with the Pistons for gifted shooter Bojan Bogdanovic and talented bench player Alec Burks.
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New York Knicks trade former first-round pick Quentin Grimes on Thursday
In the deal, New York is sending Detroit former first-round pick Quentin Grimes, Evan Fournier, Malachi Flynn, and two second-round picks. SNY NBA insider Ian Begley reported that “the uncertainty of Anunoby’s injury has factored into New York’s deadline approach.”
- Bojan Bogdanovic stats (2023-24): 20.2 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.5 APG, 42% 3PT
The deal is a big help for the roster. While Bogdanovic is not an elite defender like the Anunoby, he is a proven scorer who has averaged 20 or more three times during his career, including his last two with the Pistons. Burks returns to New York after leaving the franchise during the summer of 2022. During his two years with the Knicks, he proved to be a valuable bench player and performed well under head coach Tom Thibodeau.
Fournier and his expiring contract were expected to be moved at some point before 3 PM ET today. While Grimes never elevated his game to a high level, he was still a notable part of the Knicks rotation the last two seasons when healthy, and reportedly garnered a great deal of interest on the trade market over the last month. He will be a solid addition for Detroit trying to cultivate young pieces to rebuild the organization.
If Anunoby can return, Bogdanovic could move to the bench or become the team’s starting shooting guard. Which would push Donte DiVincenzo to the bench and further bolster a reserves group that was weakened by the Anunoby trade. If New York can get healthy, they will have an outstanding roster heading into the playoffs.
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