Knicks Trade Reaction- RJ and IQ for OG

Let’s set the scene of when I found out the Knicks made one of their biggest trades since acquiring Carmelo Anthony in 2011. I was about to go onto the tee for the second hole of my golf round and yell out such a loud scream that my parents thought that a family member died. I could not fathom that Leon Rose and the Knicks traded RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley for OG Anunoby. I was absolutely devastated that the Knicks traded two of my three favorite players on this current roster. After trading Obi in the off season, the Knicks traded my three favorite draft picks that they have drafted in the last 10 years in a five month span.

When I first read Woj bomb, I questioned the trade. Trading our two young guards that are able to create their own offense for a three and D player that has never been a shot creator made no sense to me. But, if you have watched the Knicks this year, it has been increasingly frustrating watching RJ play inefficient basketball and IQ playing a lot less minutes than he should be playing. For IQ to average significantly less minutes this year than last year is bad coaching but since we hired Thibs, the fans obviously do not impact Thibs’ decision making. I was frustrated that the Knicks did not extend IQ in the summer and it seemed that there was no chance the Knicks were going to extend IQ or match an offer sheet in the offseason. For this reason he was moved.

I truly believe that Quickley and RJ both have a bright future in this league. Comparing IQ to Brunson on the Mavs and Harden on the Thunder is fair since when given the opportunity Quickley has always balled out. But if you are not going to play or pay this kid, you would rather get something in return than let him walk like the Mavs did with Brunson. Barrett was always very inconsistent and although was scoring 18 ppg this year, he never fit as a third option. He needed he ball in his hands and was an inefficient jump shooter and scorer. Unfortunately, RJ was not able to work out in New York and I hope that his return to his home country can turn him into a star. Both these guys showed spurts of stardom and I hope they ball out in their careers. However, the NBA has always been a business and will continue to be a business.

Getting OG Anunoby helps the Knicks match-up with the best teams in the Eastern conference. OG is one of the best defenders in the league and is a stereotypical Thibs player. OG is shooting 37% from three this year and will have plenty of open looks playing with Brunson and Randle. I think OG fits way better with the Knicks than RJ does and is an upgrade both short and long term for this team. The additions of Precious Achiuwa also helps the Knicks as he can play solid minutes as a backup Power Forward or Center while Mitch is out.

Another thing this trade does is allow Quentin Grimes to play his game and not just be a spot up shooter taking 5 shots again. The Grimes potential is off the charts and hopefully this opens more opportunities for QG. I think the Knicks can still make a move to get another scorer off the bench like Clarkson or Brogdon but their 9 man rotation is gonna be really tough. As a fan, it really sucks seeing IQ and RJ go because they embodied New York so well. Quickley always played the game with a smile on his face and can be a legitimate star in this league. This is a trade the Knicks have to make to continue to compete in the Eastern Conference and OG is an upgrade for this team from RJ. For the Raptors, it seems that it is time for a rebuild and Pascal Siakam is the next piece to move. I can see him going to Atlanta, Miami, Indiana, Sacramento or Golden State. I think the current spacing of this team is horrible and Barrett will not help that. The Raptors must continue to build around Scottie Barnes and I think this trade is the start. I really hope this trade works out for the Knicks and I think it will. I am optimistic heading into 2024.