Knicks, Raptors' Updated Rosters, Starting Lineups After OG Anunoby-RJ Barrett Trade
December 30, 2023
OG Anunoby has played his final game as a Toronto Raptor, and the same can be said for RJ Barrett with the New York Knicks.
The Raptors are trading Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn to the Knicks in exchange for Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and draft considerations, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
The deal marks a significant shakeup to the rosters and starting lineups of both franchises, so here's a look at the updated depth charts each franchise.
New York Knicks Starting Lineup and Roster
PG: Jalen Brunson, Ryan Arcidiacono, Malachi Flynn
SG: Donte DiVincenzo, Quentin Grimes, Miles McBride
SF: OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Evan Fournier
PF: Julius Randle, Precious Achiuwa, Jacob Toppin, Jericho Sims
C: Isaiah Hartenstein, Taj Gibson, Dmytro Skapintsev, Mitchell Robinson (injured)
Toronto Raptors Starting Lineup and Roster
PG: Dennis Schroder, Immanuel Quickley, Markquis Nowell
SG: Scottie Barnes, Gary Trent Jr., Gradey Dick
SF: RJ Barrett, Otto Porter Jr., Jalen McDaniels
PF: Pascal Siakam,Chris Boucher, Thaddeus Young
C: Jakob Poeltl
Anunoby had spent his entire seven-year career with the Raptors, though he had been included in numerous trade rumors this winter as he can decline his $19.9 million player option for 2024-25 to become a free agent this summer.
The 26-year-old was having another solid season in Toronto before the trade despite the team's struggles, averaging 15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 27 games while shooting 48.9 percent from the floor and 37.4 percent from deep.
Anunoby brings with him to New York a championship pedigree—he won the 2019 NBA title with the Raptors—and some much-needed defense. He was named to the All-Defensive Second Team last season and finished seventh in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
The Knicks, seventh in the Eastern Conference with a 17-14 record, have struggled on defense this year in the wake of Mitchell Robinson's season-ending ankle injury, boasting a 114.8 defensive rating, and Anunoby should help the team get back on track defensively.
As for the Raptors, this will be a homecoming for Barrett, a Toronto native. He'll give the franchise a boost on the offensive end and figures to be a key piece of the team's presumptive rebuild.
Barrett is averaging 18.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 26 games this season while shooting 42.3 percent from the floor and 33.1 percent from deep.
The Raptors sit 12th in the Eastern Conference with a 12-19 record and have little hope of contending this season.
With Anunoby having found a new home, it feels like only a matter of time before Pascal Siakam is moved. Siakam, who will be a free agent this summer, has also been heavily included in trade rumors this winter.
