Not only did the New York Knicks not have to give up a first-round pick in their blockbuster trade for OG Anunoby, but they may have gotten rid of one of the worst contracts in the NBA in the process.
The Knicks made a huge splash in the trade market over the weekend when they were able to land talented 3-and-D swingman OG Anunoboy. Ahead of last season’s NBA trade deadline, the 26-year-old was one of the most sought-after players on the market, and the Toronto Raptors asking price reportedly started at three first-round picks.
Related: NBA insider reveals surprising shift for New York Knicks when it comes to Donovan Mitchell
Yet, when the deal was announced, the Knicks only had to give up former first-round pick RJ Barrett, talented sixth man Immanuel Quickley, and a second-round pick from the Detroit Pistons. A package well below what the impending free agent was expected to bring back for Toronto.
The trade was seen as a big win for New York, since they held on to the horde of future first-round picks they have and landed a player viewed as a great fit for the schemes of head coach Tom Thibodeau. In his debut, Anunoby showed his value immediately as he posted 17 points, six boards, and two steals in a big home win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
New York Knicks moved a ‘toxic asset’ in OG Anunoby trade
However, a new report claims that the deal was an even bigger win for the Knicks than originally thought. On a New Year’s Day edition of “The Lowe Post” podcast, ESPN NBA insider Zach Lowe explained how the organization was also able to unload a “toxic asset” in the trade.
“I’ve always said there’s a continuum of RJ Barrett optimism and pessimism — and over here on the pessimistic side is like, ‘He just stinks, he’s a toxic asset.’ And that is a word that got thrown around yesterday in my conversations with front office people and coaches — toxic asset. Like you’re swallowing his contract.”
The Knicks reacted to failing in their pursuit of a Donovan Mitchell trade in the summer of 2022 by giving Barrett a four-year, $107 million contract following what seemed like a breakthrough season in 2021-22. However, the former third-overall pick regressed last season and didn’t take another step forward in his development in 2023.
The hope for Toronto is that the Canadian can elevate his game in new surroundings after getting him in a deal for a player who was sure to leave in free agency this summer.
