Shocking Trade Leaves Fans Speechless
The New York Knicks made a surprising move in the off-season, trading away promising players RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. The news came as a shock to fans, who had mixed emotions about Barrett’s performance and believed Quickley deserved more playing time.
However, what made the trade even more unexpected was the way the players found out: through social media. Quickley, in particular, seemed dumbfounded by the news, expressing his disbelief on X (formerly Twitter) with a simple, “Oh my goodness…”
Teammate’s Reaction Adds to the Surprise
Not only did Quickley react to the trade, but his now-former teammate, Josh Hart, also shared a similar sentiment. Hart expressed his surprise by saying, “What I wake up to.” This shared reaction only added to the shockwaves reverberating through the NBA community.
Barrett’s Connection to His Home Country
As fans processed the unexpected trade, Barrett shared a video on social media that showed him playing for his home country, Canada. The video was accompanied by a caption stating that Barrett had grown up rooting for the Toronto Raptors. This revelation added a bittersweet element to the trade, as fans reflected on what could have been.
Knicks’ Long-Time Pursuit of Anunoby
Reports have surfaced that the New York Knicks had been pursuing OG Anunoby since last season’s trade deadline. The team finally landed the coveted player, leading to the departure of Barrett and Quickley.
A Look into the Draft Picks
Barrett, the third overall pick in the 2019 draft, was chosen right after Zion Williamson and Ja Morant. He had signed a lucrative four-year, $120 million extension just last year. Quickley, on the other hand, was the 25th pick in the 2020 draft. Anunoby, the player the Knicks acquired, was drafted 23rd overall in 2017, while Precious Achiuwa, who was also involved in the trade, was picked five spots before Quickley.