Knicks Insider Says NY 'Got Rid of the Softies' with Barrett, Quickley, Toppin Trades

The New York Knicks' front office reportedly prefers the current roster's hard-nosed defense following the trades of young players such as R.J. Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Obi Toppin (per Steve Popper of Newsday).

"One team source pointed out that in moving out Obi Toppin in the summer, then Barrett and Quickley recently, 'We got rid of the softies.' The Knicks roster now consists nearly completely of hard-nosed defenders."

Barrett and Quickley were dealt to the Toronto Raptors on Dec. 30 for O.G. Anunoby, while Toppin was traded to the Indiana Pacers during the offseason in exchange for two second-round picks.

All three played key roles during New York's 2022-23 season, helping the team win 47 games and secure a trip to the second round of the playoffs following a series win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, the Knicks fell to a defensive-minded Miami Heat team in six games which led to questions regarding the ceiling of the roster surrounding point guard Jalen Brunson.

New York's front office was likely aware of those questions prior to making the trade, with Barrett playing on the first year of a $107 million extension and Quickley slated to enter restricted free agency following the season.

It's worth noting that the Knicks have played exceptionally well since the trade. Anunoby's superb defense and floor-spacing abilities on offense have fit seamlessly alongside Brunson and two-time All-Star Julius Randle. In the six games since the trade, New York is 5-1 while owning the No. 1 defensive rating in the association (per NBA.com).

Barrett and Quickley have also performed admirably since the trade, though. They're both shooting 50 percent from three while averaging 19.3 points and 18.6 points per game, respectively. In seven starts with Toronto, Quickley is recording a career-high 5.3 assists each night.

Toppin has also found a consistent role in Indiana, averaging 11.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game on a Pacers team that currently has the fourth-best record in the Eastern Conference.

While New York's defense has improved since trading away several of its young players, the former Knicks have also thrived after leaving the team.