Headlines were lit up with surprising news from the world of sports, with Toronto Raptors’ forward OG Anunoby confirming his move to the New York Knicks.
Reports emerged that the player, who had expressed a keen interest in playing a more significant offensive role, had his sights set on a salary close to an average annual figure of $40 million.
This massive move marked a turning point for franchises that had followed his career trajectory, given the numbers and potential he carries.OG Anunoby told several agencies in the off-season that he was interested in a larger offensive role that would be commensurate with a salary figure in the ballpark of $40 million in average annual value.
Toronto Raptors’ forward, OG Anunoby was dealt to New York Knicks, as reported by industry insiders. The trade was finalized for a key roster that included RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and a prospective 2024 second-round draft pick.
This trade came with added surprises as reserve center Precious Achiuwa and young guard Malachi Flynn also moved to Madison Square Garden.
The G League Showcase held in Orlando was highlighted with significant trade rumors, including discussions about Anunoby and Barrett. Although the extent of these negotiations remains unclear, it’s recognized that Barrett was a key element in the deal that Knicks were attempting to acquire before the 2023 trade deadline.
The Raptors had positioned their top-performing, Anunoby, All-Star point guard Fred VanVleet and All-NBA forward Pascal Siakam for trade in the lead-up to the deadline. However, they only managed to secure center Jakob Poeltl in exchange for a protected first-rounder.
Following their subpar performance in the 2023-24 season, speculation arose, indicating Toronto as potential pillars of trade activity yet again, with possibilities of Anunoby, Siakam, and veteran wing Gary Trent Jr. being on sale.
The unexpectedness of the Anunoby trade deal took many NBA decision-makers by surprise.Most assumed that Toronto Raptors would wait closer to the deadline to negotiate their best offer.
The astonishment was relatively more when it was discovered that Knicks were pulling a significant trade deal, presumed by many as a strategic move to cover up the void left by Mitchell Robinson.
OG Anunoby brought with him impressive stats, averaging 15.1 Points, 3.9 Rebound, 2.6 Assistance, .5 Block, with an average of 33:20 minutes per game.
The inclusion of Quickley made the deal even more interesting as the young guard in his final year showcased significant potential.As the Knicks understood Anunoby’s financial expectations, they carefully processed this deal.
Anunoby showed an inclination for a less substantial figure, given that he landed in New York, which indicated strategic insight from him.
However, his signing up with CAA, a company with deep connections to New York Leadership, creates promising future projections.