The New York Knicks are the first team to make the NBA Finals since 1999. It took them 12 of 14 playoff games to get there. They have been developing from playoff regulars to title contenders over the last two seasons. Their aggressive moves changed the roster and began the franchise at levels it has not been in decades.
One deal was not universally celebrated when it happened. One of the loudest Knicks fans openly asked whether he thought it was too high.
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Stephen A. Smith’s ‘I Did Not Want To Lose’ Admission on OG Anunoby Trade Resurfaces
Apr 10, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Og Anunoby (8) shoots the ball as Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) defends during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesThe moment traces back to January 2024. ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith was on First Take and had a response to the Knicks’ blockbuster trade to the Toronto Raptors. The trade involved OG Anunoby going to the Knicks, while the package included RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. Smith praised the defensive upside.
“I’m not moved [with the Knicks-Raptors trade]… Immanuel Quickley, I did not want to lose… Not having him there to me puts a lot more on Jalen Brunson.”
The world biggest Knicks fan didn’t like the acquisition of OG Anunoby
"I'm not moved [with the Knicks-Raptors trade]… Immanuel Quickley, I did not want to lose… Not having him there to me puts a lot more on Jalen Brunson.”
(via @FirstTake) pic.twitter.com/2dsRdMHhAK
— Hoop Herald (@TheHoopHerald) June 7, 2026
At the time, Smith’s concerns were understandable. Quickley had become one of the NBA’s most productive reserve guards. Anunoby arrived with a reputation as an elite defender. Questions lingered about whether his offensive production would offset the loss of a dynamic bench contributor.
The trade looks far different fast-forward to June 2026. The Anunoby acquisition is widely considered a big factor in the Knicks’ run to the NBA Finals. The trade also saw Anunoby move to the Knicks. Toronto got a package that included Quickley and RJ Barrett. Since his arrival, Anunoby has been a staple along with Jalen Brunson.
The analyst wanted to keep Quickley. The Knicks’ front office prioritized roster balance and playoff versatility. The results have been difficult to argue with. Anunoby’s ability to guard multiple positions has complemented stars such as Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
The Knicks continued building around their existing nucleus. Two years later, the franchise finds itself competing on the NBA’s biggest stage, and a trade once questioned by its most famous fan is now widely viewed as one of the defining moves behind the organization’s resurgence.