By buying Anunoby, 26, the Knicks have added a reputable wing defender to their roster who can thrive as a second possibility on offense. Nonetheless, they’ve given up two gifted younger gamers to get the deal over the road.
The Raptors are slowly rebuilding their roster round Scottie Barnes. Including Barrett and Quickley to that rotation offers them three reputable younger gamers to anchor their younger core. Nonetheless, Quickley’s contract state of affairs will have to be resolved as a matter of urgency if the Raptors are to keep away from it changing into a distraction. Pascal Siakam can also be nonetheless on the roster, and his presence offers an All-NBA-level expertise to assist hold the workforce aggressive, a minimum of for now.
Each groups will doubtless really feel like they acquired the higher aspect of this deal. The Knicks can have one other massive physique on the wing who can match into Tom Thibodeau’s defensive system, whereas Achiuwa will assist remedy a few of the depth at middle following Mitchell Robinson’s season-ending harm.
The Raptors could change their beginning lineup to accommodate a few of their new expertise. In current weeks, Barnes has been working as some extent guard, which has been bringing out the most effective of his perimeter play together with permitting him to get downhill. Nonetheless, Quickley has the expertise to be a reputable off-ball menace and will slot into the capturing guard place alongside Barnes.
With Toronto and New York residing in the identical convention, we’ll get to see how these adjustments have an effect on every workforce and the general panorama of the East over the rest of the season. For now, although, this deal is smart for each side.
