Rumors: Knicks Rivals Close To Trading OG Anunoby

(CTN News) – In the five games since OG Anunoby debuted against the Timberwolves, the Knicks are 5-0. A win over Portland on Tuesday marked the wing’s best game as a Knick, as he finished with 23 points (9-of-12 from the field, 4-of-6 from three), four rebounds, one block, and one steal.

As much respect as I have for RJ Barrett, Anunoby is a much better fit for the Knicks’ starting lineup. The fact that he is a great off-ball player means he doesn’t have to operate with the ball in his hands.

On defense, he’s a superb on-ball defender. Anunoby might still be adjusting to New York’s schemes, but his play has already proven the Knicks were right to trade him.

There were other teams interested in Anunoby, which isn’t surprising considering the value of 3-and-D wings. Apparently, the Pacers came just short of trading Anunoby to another team, according to Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer.

A trade for Knicks wing OG Anunoby was “just shy”

The Indiana Pacers need to upgrade their defense if they want to contend for the playoffs, and Anunoby certainly would have contributed to that goal.

If roles were reversed, it is reported that the Knicks were close to trading Anunoby before the Pacers won the deal. New York would not only have been cloned, but a conference rival the Knicks are close to would have been greatly improved as well.

Indy is expected to make a move or two before the deadline, and New York could do the same. In addition, the Knicks aren’t back in the hunt for a star after trading Anunoby.

As a result, New York moved closer to its goal. In the postseason, this current team will be a problem regardless of whether the front office makes a big trade in the offseason. In part, that can be attributed to the Anunoby trade.

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