One of the biggest potential prizes of the pre-trade deadline market could very well be Toronto Raptors small forward O.G. Anunoby.
Based on a recent report, the New York Knicks have been kicking the tires on the 25-year-old and have signaled a willingness to unload some serious future draft capital to get a deal done.
“As SNY reported, the Knicks also checked in with Toronto about OG Anunoby,” Ian Begley reported. “This was before New York reeled off eight straight wins in December. But given Toronto’s place in the standings, Anunoby could be available at the deadline. So that’s something to monitor.
“Also worth noting: in their conversation about Anunoby prior to the winning streak, New York was comfortable offering multiple first-round picks for Anunoby. I don’t think these talks were at an advanced stage at that point. But all of the above strongly suggests that team decision-makers have, so far, focused on improving the roster for at the Feb. 9 trade deadline.”
The Knicks have been solid so far this season and remain in the playoff chase in the Eastern Conference. A wing player like Anunoby, who is very effective on the offensive side of the ball and elite on the defensive end, could be the kind of player that puts New York over the edge.
So far this season, Anunoby is averaging 17.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game. He’s shooting the ball rather efficiently as well, nailing 45.9 percent of his field goals.
It’s no surprise that there seems to be a healthy market of teams interested in what he brings to the table.
It is worth noting that a report from earlier this week indicated that a “mystery team” offered three first-round picks in exchange for Anunoby. Given Begley’s report that the Knicks were willing to offer multiple first-rounders, it seems quite possible that the mystery team has been revealed.
If the Knicks want to land Anunoby, they’re going to have to move quickly. The deadline is now just two weeks away, and getting a deal done soon may allow them to avoid a serious bidding war.
On the season, the Knicks are 26-23 and currently sit at the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference. As for the Raptors, they continue to sag in the standings and are currently sporting a 22-27 overall record.
