With the trade deadline just over a week away, one of the popular names floating around the trade market is Raptors forward OG Anunoby.
A defensive specialist and 2019 NBA Champion, Anunoby signed a 4 four-year, $72 million extension with the Raptors in the 2020-21 season. He still currently has two guaranteed years under contract and a player option for the 2024-25 season.
This season he’s averaging 16.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and leading the league in steals per game.
Sitting at 23-29 on the season, many reports see Toronto as a deadline seller and they’re expecting heavy compensation in return for Anunoby. So let’s take a look at where Anunoby could be traded.
New York Knicks
The Knicks are always linked to several hot names on the trade block, and OG Anunoby is the name with the most smoke this year according to NBA Central. With several tradeable assets, the Knicks could make a big splash to consolidate the roster and make a further push toward the playoffs. An Anunoby trade gives the Knicks a legitimate playoff-caliber starting five. A disgruntled Cam Reddish, a large salary from Evan Fournier, and a plethora of picks could get the job done.
The trade package:
Raptors Receive: Obi Toppin, Cam Reddish, Evan Fournier, 2023 Pistons 1st, and a 2025 Bucks 1st
Knicks Receive: OG Anunoby and Otto Porter Jr.
Phoenix Suns
Jae Crowder has been one of the most openly disgruntled players in the league since the offseason, and if the Suns have the opportunity to offload him while also significantly upgrading the roster ahead of the playoffs, it’s a no-brainer. According to Sports Illustrated, the Suns have emerged as heavy suitors and an Anunoby trade creates one of the best defensive wing duos in the league pairing him with Mikal Bridges and doing wonders for their defensive identity as a whole.
The trade package:
Raptors Receive: Jae Crowder, Dario Saric, Josh Okogie, 2023 1st and 2025 1st
Suns Receive: OG Anunoby
Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant said earlier this season that the Grizzlies feel fine in the West, and pairing a Defensive Player of the Year candidate with their frontrunner Jaren Jackson Jr. could create one of the most dangerous contenders in the league. Sam Amico of Hoops Wire said many rival executives expect Memphis to make a push for Anunoby. They have a lot of assets they can use to turn into more of a win-now situation with an Anunoby trade. The Raptors can also catapult the rebuild by adding a 21-year-old as a centerpiece.
The trade package:
Raptors Receive: Ziaire Williams, Danny Green, 2023 1st, and a 2024 Warriors 1st
Grizzlies Receive: OG Anunoby
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers seem like a team without a true identity, largely due to the impressive play by Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, and the recently-extended Myles Turner. An Anunoby trade can give them a true defensive identity and give them a chance at the play-in tournament. Indiana is seen as a team with plenty of moveable assets that can appeal to Toronto.
The trade package:
Raptors Receive: Buddy Hield, Oshae Brissett, 2024 1st and 2026 1st
Pacers Receive: OG Anunoby
Read the latest sports news via Fantom Sports Industries. Follow us on Twitter via @Fantom_sports. Like us on Facebook Fantom Sports Industries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel via Fantom Sports. Subscribe to our Newsletter! Shop Fantom Sports Industries Merch.
Invest in your favorite athletes like stocks with “Prediction Strike!” Use code FANTOM when you sign up