PHILADELPHIA — Tyrese Maxey is “delighted” that his close friend and former teammate was traded from the Knicks, noting Immanuel Quickley has a chance to shine north of the border.
“He did a good job with the Knicks. But we know it's Julius' team and Brunson's team,” Maxey said Friday night after the team lost 128-92 to the visiting Knicks. He previously told the Post. “This gives him an opportunity to spread his wings and kind of fly a little bit. I think he's done a great job so far.”
Quickley was traded to the Raptors after signing RJ Barrett to replace OG Anunoby, and although he had breakthrough performances, his playing time was reduced due to New York's overpopulation of guards after more than three years in New York. put an end to it.
The spark plug scorer was quickly thrust into Toronto's starting lineup, scoring 26 points in a season-high 33 minutes in Wednesday's win over the Grizzlies.
“I was happy for him. He's out there, he's starting, he's having a good time,” Maxey said. He had 27 points and nine assists, but was 1-of-7 from long range in Friday's loss. “I think he has a little bit more of a chance. I'm happy for him. I'm disappointed I can't play against him tonight. But I'm happy for him.”
Maxey and Quickley were teammates at the University of Kentucky and were taken within five picks of each other in the 2020 draft (Maxey 21st, Quickley 25th).
Both entered this season without contract extensions, but the gamble is likely to result in Maxey being paid up to $200 million in the summer.
Quickley's financial future is uncertain after he declined a contract extension offer.
However, having reportedly asked for $125 million, the guard is well-positioned to earn that number in free agency after a showcase season in Toronto.
Maxey also benefited from a bigger opportunity this season as Philadelphia traded James Harden. He is currently the frontrunner for an All-Star nomination.
“I'm pretty sure [Quickley] It’s okay,” Maxey said. “He'll make a lot of money.”
Maxey and Quickley started together in the backcourt of a Wildcats team that won the SEC in 2020 before the postseason tournament was canceled due to the pandemic.
They remain close.
“Very much,” Maxey said. “We did a lot at Kentucky. We woke up every morning and went to training together. We had to compete in practice every day. Play for the coaches. [John Calipari], there's a lot of blood, sweat, and tears that go into it. I'm doing well today. we talk a lot. ”
