PHILADELPHIA — Tyrese Maxey is “happy” that his good friend and former teammate was traded from the Knicks, noting that Immanuel Quickley has a better chance to shine north of the border.
“He did a good job with the Knicks. But we know that’s Julius’ team, that’s Brunson’s team,” Maxey told The Post before his team’s 128-92 loss to the visiting Knicks on Friday night. “This gives him opportunities to spread his wings, kind of fly a little bit. I think he’s done a great job so far.”
Quickley was dealt with RJ Barrett to the Raptors for OG Anunoby, ending a three-plus year stint in New York that included breakthrough performances but declining playing time because of New York’s guard glut.
The sparkplug scorer was immediately thrust into Toronto’s starting lineup and scored 26 points in a season-high 33 minutes during Wednesday’s victory over the Grizzlies.
“I was happy for him. He’s over there, he’s starting, he’s having a good time,” said Maxey, who posted 27 points and nine assists but was 1 of 7 from long distance in Friday’s loss. “I think he’ll get a little bit more of an opportunity. I’m happy for him. I’m sad that I don’t get to play against him tonight. But I’m happy for him.”
Maxey and Quickley were teammates at Kentucky and drafted within five picks of each other in 2020 (Maxey went 21st, Quickley was 25th).
They both entered this season without contract extensions, a gamble that will likely result in a $200 million max payoff for Maxey in the summer.
Quickley’s financial future is less certain after turning down extension offers.
But after reportedly asking for $125 million, the guard is in a better position to earn that figure in free agency after a showcase season in Toronto.
Maxey also benefited from a greater opportunity this season because Philadelphia traded James Harden. He is now a front-runner for an All-Star nod.
“I’m pretty sure [Quickley] will be OK,” Maxey said. “He’ll make a lot of money.”
Maxey and Quickley started together in the backcourt for a Wildcats squad that won the SEC in 2020 before the postseason tournaments were canceled because of the pandemic.
They remain close.
“Extremely,” Maxey said “We did a lot of things at Kentucky. We woke up every single morning to go to workout together. We had to fight in practice every single day. Playing for Coach [John Calipari], a lot of blood, sweat and tears goes into that. We’re still cool today. We talk frequently.”