NBA Trade Rumors: Is OG Anunoby going to be the next star that is moved?
NBA Trade Rumors: As the Toronto Raptors continue to struggle, we explore whether OG Anunoby could be the next star that is moved.
About a week ago, it was reported (or suggested) that the Toronto Raptors could emerge as a surprise seller at the NBA Trade Deadline. Eight days and four losses later, it seems that idea may be gaining some steam.
Overall, the Raptors have lost seven games in a row and 12 of their last 16. They are 13-18 and currently ranked 10th in the Eastern Conference standings. They are five games back (in the loss column) of the sixth-seeded New York Knicks and things appear to be falling apart at the seams for the franchise.
They have had to battle some injuries to start the season but nothing that should’ve resulted in the Raptors being somewhat of an afterthought in the East so far this season. They are slightly above average on the defensive end, but even though this team plays very hard every night, something just seems off.
And you’d have to wonder that if this continues over the next few weeks what could be the potential fallout leading up to the NBA Trade Deadline?
Could the Toronto Raptors make a surprising move at the trade deadline?
If the Raptors do get to a point where they want to shake up their roster, they certainly would have the assets to make it happen. It’s unlikely that they’re going to trade Pascal Siakam, Scottie Barnes, or even Fred VanVleet.
On the other hand, Gary Trent Jr. and OG Anunoby could be players that the Raptors could explore options on the trade block. And according to one report, from ESPN’s Zach Lowe, Anunoby is a player that many around the league covet.
Not only is he a player that teams around the league want but he’s also a player that could bring in a hoist of assets in return for the Raptors. In the words of Lowe, he could command a similar return to what Donovan Mitchel got for the Utah Jazz.
Anunoby is a really good player that perhaps has not reached his peak yet. He’s averaging a career-high 19 points and six rebounds on 47 percent shooting from the field. He’s also a really good defensive wing.
If Lowe’s speculation is accurate and that an Anunoby trade could bring in something close to what Mitchell was moved for (a couple of young players, three future first-round picks, and pick swaps), that’s absolutely something the Raptors should explore.
Toronto has a roster that may seem close on paper but unless they find that defined superstar in the next 1-2 years, the Raptors may have to go through another retooling.
Looking at the landscape around the league, there’s a very real chance that Anunoby could end up being the next star that is moved. It’d be somewhat surprising if the Raptors shop Anunoby at the deadline, but that doesn’t mean they can listen to inquiries. And if they get the right offer, we shouldn’t be surprised if Masai Ujiri made a bold move.
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The Raptors are a team to watch at the NBA Trade Deadine. Even more so if they continue to struggle as a whole.