OG Anunoby, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley trade grades: Who won the Knicks – Raptors deal?

The Knicks certainly gave up a lot to get Anunoby, who is averaging 15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game this season while shooting 48.9 percent from the field, but the price could’ve been a lot worse.

Wojnarowski reported New York has coveted the two-way small forward for some time now and the acquisition will give the Knicks a head start on trying to re-sign him before he hits free agency this offseason.

The deal also solves New York’s rotation conundrum. As For The Win’s Bryan Kalbrosky wrote about earlier this week, head coach Tom Thibodeau insisted on using Barrett over Quickley, despite data showing a switch would do both well:

A change of [Barrett’s] role would give him more opportunities to lead New York’s offense rather than playing more off-ball. Barrett has struggled on spot-up possessions and when his shot is contested, his catch-and-shoot jumper isn’t falling.

Quickley, who was the runner-up for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year last season, does well in the second unit. But if the Knicks are going to make a serious run in the Eastern Conference, he should play in the starting lineup instead of Barrett.

Getting someone as impactful on both ends of the floor as Anunoby without giving up any of its assortment of first round picks is a win for the Knicks, but losing two rotation pieces hurts. Fortunately, the deal still leaves room for New York to keep buying as needed.

Grade: B+