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The New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns are among the teams to keep an eye on the Toronto Raptors' movement ahead of the trade deadline. According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, the two playoff hopefuls are among the interested suitors for coveted trade target O.G. Anunoby. Here's what Charania wrote about these NBA rumors:
"The Knicks and Suns are among the interested suitors in Raptors forward O.G. Anunoby, sources say. New York has shown a willingness to offer multiple first-round picks for Anunoby, according to those sources.
"The Suns, meanwhile, have control of all of their first-round picks — eight in total —through 2030. SNY first reported the Knicks’ interest last week."
The Knicks and Suns could make significant upgrades to their rosters with the addition of Anunoby. Both teams have relied heavily on one or two players this season, resulting in inconsistent campaigns thus far.
The New York Knicks are seventh in the Eastern Conference with a 27-24 record. The Phoenix Suns are ninth in the Western Conference with a 26-25 record. Knicks stars Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle have remained healthy, contributing to the team being over the .500 mark. However, the Knicks can only rely so much on the duo.
Meanwhile, the Suns have either been without Chris Paul or Devin Booker for brief stretches. They have also missed the services of Cam Johnson, who missed the majority of the first half of the season due to a knee injury. Meanwhile, trade candidate Jae Crowder has remained inactive for the year as the team tries to find a new home for him.
What does Toronto Raptors' O.G. Anunoby bring to the table for the Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks?
Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson have been their most consistent performers for the New York Knicks. RJ Barrett has put up decent performances but continues to struggle to make the leap he was expected to this year. Barrett is averaging 20.3 points per game but is shooting 43.7% from the field and 34.4% from three.
O.G. Anunoby will be an ideal candidate to cover for Barrett on his off-nights and also take some pressure off Brunson and Randle as a 15-point per-game scorer. He is averaging 16.9 points on 46/37/82 splits. Anunoby would also provide a boost defensively. The Knicks rank 17 in defensive ratings and 23rd in 3-point shooting efficiency, making the Raptors wing a solid fit.
Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns need some frontcourt depth, with Jae Crowder's move looking imminent. The team has also struggled to find consistent and efficient scoring options in Devin Booker's absence. Anunoby could help in that regard.
The Suns have looked off-color this season following Crowder's inactivity. Anunoby will be a direct replacement, providing the team with more stability as an additional 3-and-D presence. We will see if either of these teams can reach an agreement with the Raptors before the trade deadline.
Click here to read Shams Charania's report on these NBA rumors.
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