“Hope It Makes Both Teams Worse”: Nick Nurse, Kyle Kuzma, and NBA World’s Mixed Reaction to Knicks-Raptors’ OG Anunoby Trade

The Toronto Raptors finally made a trade. As is common in the deadline trades, no one saw this one coming. The Raptors’ 2017 first-round 23rd draft pick, OG Anunoby, was traded in a surprising trade to the New York Knicks. Toronto got RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and a 2024 second-round pick.

The Knicks, on the other hand, finally landed a player they have had their eyes on for a very long time. But not everyone feels like congratulating other parties for a successful trade. Other players and the NBA world at large have mixed reactions to the whole scenario.

The OG Anunoby trade receives mixed reactions

Players like Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart, Coach Nick Nurse, and Tari Eason’s mother have all posted their respective thoughts on the event. Mama Eason had just two words for the Raptors and it wasn’t anything flattering.

Coach Nurse, on the other hand, decided to take a lighthearted approach. “I hope it makes both teams worse,” he reportedly said upon hearing about the trade.

Kuzma seems to be on the cheering side, saying, “Raptors went crazy I like that.”

Josh Hart knows that a picture speaks more than a thousand words. Which is why he must have kept it low-key with a picture of Barrett and Quickley in his Instagram story update. Then again, it was just one of his multiple reactions to the trade.

Even Quickley himself was quite shocked when the trade news dropped. Might be because he was at a loss for words; all he could say was, “Oh my goodness…..” It’s clear the 24-year-old wasn’t expecting the turn of events. So why were the Knicks so adamant about getting OG Anunoby?

What Anunoby brings to the table for New York?

As mentioned above, the Knicks have been pursuing OG for quite some time now. And they are determined to get him to sign during free agency as well, as per ESPN. Standing in the seventh position with a 17-14 record in the Eastern Conference, are looking to revamp their roster.

Read More: Knicks Face $116.9 Million Ultimatum with Newest Trade Piece after Bidding RJ Barrett Farewell with 2023

When they made the move for Jalen Brunson two seasons ago, it was in hopes of attracting top names to the franchise. A move strikingly similar to a rival ECF team (read: Pacers & Haliburton). Right now, Anunoby’s presence on-court would be perfect in the lineup with Brunson and Julius Randle. The Knicks President, Leon Rose was also of the same opinion.

He gives the British professional props for his “offensive game” and ability to “defend multiple positions”. It will come in handy for the team on both ends of the court as well. So with OG and Precious Achiuwa also in the squad, Coach Thibodeau can prepare for an impactful backcourt and wing rotation.

Hopefully, they can get that superstar they are on the lookout for come trade deadline!

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