The New York Knicks are having a great season in 2022/23, but that hasn’t stopped the team from going on the market.
According to Hoopshype website journalist Michael Scotto, the Knicks are interested in trading for OG Anunoby. The deal, which included draft choices and Frenchman Evan Fournier, was rejected by the Toronto Raptors.
In fact, the New York team has several future picks, but the Canadian team judged that the package was not interesting.
Incidentally, the Raptors had several deals for the forward, including one from the Memphis Grizzlies.
On the other hand, Toronto tried to reinforce its roster in the trade deadline, closing a negotiation for the Austrian Jakob Poeltl.
Meanwhile, the Knicks continued with almost the same group they had. In exchange, only Josh Hart arrived, who was on the Portland Trail Blazers.
Though Hart is not the defensive specialist that Anunoby is, he has been receiving high praise from coach Tom Thibodeau.
“Hart is a complete player, who works well on both sides of the court. Obviously, he’s a great defender, an elite rebounder. He knows how to play, but still helps build plays.” Thibodeau said.
“But the thing I like most about him is his competitive spirit. So, you can put him against a scorer and he will make that person work.” he added.
The Knicks still haven’t given up on a trade for OG Anunoby. While Hart is fulfilling the duties that Thibodeau indicates, the franchise knows it needs to make some big decisions soon.
Hart has a player option in his contract worth $12.9 million. So, it is very likely that he will test free agency, as he has a market and should has superior deals.
In return, management monitors the Raptors campaign. While the Knicks have a solid fifth position in the East, Toronto is only ninth and would need a play-in to qualify for the playoffs.
