The Raptors Knicks officially announced a 3-for-3 trade!Anunoby Barrett swapped owners: insider + rating released
On December 31, Beijing time, according to Shams, the Knicks and the Raptors reached a 3-for-3 deal, and the specific content of the deal was that the Raptors sent Anunoby, Achiuwa and Flynn, and got the Knicks' Barrett, Quickley and a 2024 second-round pick (from the Pistons), and then the deal was officially announced. In an effort to create roster space for new players, the Knicks cut Jeffries, who signed a non-guaranteed contract that would have been converted to a guaranteed contract if he hadn't been cut by Jan. 8. After the deal is completed, the Raptors will also continue to explore a trade for Siakam, with the Hawks, Kings and Pacers interested in him.
The Knicks were the first to announce the deal, posting posters to welcome the new signings while also expressing gratitude to the departing players.
Subsequently, the Raptors also officially announced the trade and carried out a similar operation-
How have the five players involved in the trade performed in terms of stats so far this season?
Anunoby was the No. 23 pick in the first round in 2017, averaging 15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1 steal per game while shooting 37.4% from three-point range. Achiuwa was the No. 20 pick in the first round in 2020, averaging 7.7 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game, while Flynn was the No. 29 pick in the first round in 2020, averaging 5.1 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.
Barrett was a 2019 rookie averaging 18.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game, while Quickley was the No. 25 pick in the first round in 2020, averaging 15 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game while shooting 39.5% from three-point range. After being traded, Quickley continued to sigh on social media: "Oh my God!" and "Providence".
It's worth mentioning that this is the first trade between the Knicks and the Raptors since 2013, and it is taking place amid ongoing legal disputes between the two parties. In August, the Knicks sued the Raptors and some of the Raptors' staff, including a former Knicks employee, for stealing classified Knicks documents.
Why did the Raptors send Anunoby away?
The Raptors only have a 12-19 record, and it turns out that the trio of Siakam + Barnes + Anunoby will not succeed. Anunoby has a player option, the Raptors are concerned that he will jump out of his contract and become a free agent, and Siakam will also become a free agent this summer.
While Anunoby is only 26 years old and a good fit for Barnes' growing timeline, his shooting and defensive abilities are appealing to any opponent. With Anunoby on the verge of a massive pay raise, the Raptors can't afford to risk losing him for nothing in the offseason.
Today is the deadline for Anunoby to be eligible to sign a four-year, $117 million contract extension. Starting tomorrow, Anunoby is eligible for a two-year, $40 million contract extension until June 30.
Why make such a transaction?
Prior to last season's trade deadline, the Raptors had already received offers from Anunoby, including multiple first-round picks, that they didn't approve at the time. Interestingly, in this trade, the Raptors did not choose to get more first-rounders, but in exchange for two rotations, not wanting to completely rebuild. Barrett is expected to replace Anunoby's starting striker position.
However, Barrett's shooting percentage is not high, and Quickley may instead be the biggest gain for the Raptors. At the end of the season, he will be a restricted free agent with a significant salary increase. According to sources, there was a $7 million gap between the Knicks and Quickley in the annual salary of the contract extension, and the two sides eventually collapsed, and the Knicks lowered Quickley's playing time.
The Raptors' guard lacks depth, and a two-way guard like Quickley, who excels at three-point shooting, is the perfect partner for Barnes. Previously, Barnes was transforming into the team's head ball handler. What's more, Barrett and Quickley are relatively younger, Barrett is only 23 years old, Quickley is 24 years old, and Barnes, the new core of the Raptors, is 22 years old.
How does this deal help the Knicks?
The Knicks, who have long been looking for a tall wing, pursued Anunoby before the trade deadline last season and made multiple first-round offers that the Raptors didn't take seriously and negotiate at the time. Anunoby, who is 2.01 meters tall, has an excellent defense, was the league's steal leader last season, and was also selected to the All-Defensive Team Second Team. His three-point shooting is also more reliable than Barrett's. It has been reported that Anunoby wants an annual salary of around 40 million for his next contract, and he is willing to cut the price after joining the Knicks.
Anunoby, Randall and Brunson will make up the new trident. Achiuwa will get some playing time off the bench, with the Knicks' center Michelo currently out for the season and another interior lineman, Simms, also recovering from an injury.
Trade Ratings Out: Raptors Rated A Knicks B+
The Athletic rated the deal. The Raptors are A, and the Knicks are B+, which means the Raptors are the relative winners.
The American media believes that the Raptors did not choose multiple first-rounders, but in exchange for two key rotations, which is much better than just hoping for Anuno's contract extension. Barrett is expected to play a bigger role in the Raptors' system, he is an underrated assist, Quickley can also play the role of point guard, and his projection ability is outstanding, and the restricted free agent status makes the Raptors basically not risk losing him. They also received a second-round pick from the Pistons, which is basically the equivalent of the 31st pick and is worth a lot. The Raptors received a high rating of A.
As for the Knicks, Anunoby is an excellent finisher with good three-point shooting ability, and of course the most important reason he's valued is that he's one of the best outside defenders in the league. However, the Knicks need to take a certain risk, as Anunoby may not be re-contracted. Achiuwa can bring some inside security. The Knicks have a B+ rating. U.S. media said that if the Knicks can successfully renew Anunoby's contract, the final rating will be higher.
Who do you think is the winner of this deal?