The five best value contracts for the Toronto Raptors
2. OG Anunoby
The value of OG Anunoby’s contract might be the most important question on the Raptors roster. OG has shown that he has the talent to become a part of this Raptors team long-term, but after an incredible rookie season, cooled off some last year.
Anunoby missed a considerable amount of games last season due to his father’s passing and multiple injuries, including an emergency appendectomy which caused him to miss essentially the entire postseason. While on the court, Anunoby also regressed, failing to live up to the expectations he set after year one.
Anunoby will make under $2.3 million dollars this year, as he plays out the third year of his rookie contract. As a defender alone, Anunoby is worth $2.3 million. However, his offensive game can increase his value from a nice contract to a near Siakam-level bargain.
Last season, Anunoby averaged 7.0 points with an effective field goal percentage of 53.6-percent. His numbers don’t jump off the page, but they certainly aren’t terrible. With a full offseason of work and with the possibility that he could start return to the starting lineup, the Raptors are hopeful OG can take a leap forward next season.
With a team option for next season (the Raptors will accept), Toronto has two more years of Anunoby at a minuscule cost. He’s due just $3.8 million in 2020-2021, only a few million above a minimum contract.
After his contract runs out, Anunoby becomes a restricted free agent, putting the Raptors in a great spot. As a restricted free agent, the Raptors will have the opportunity to match any offer another team OG receives. If they feel as though he is worth the money he is offered, they’ll match it. If not, they will let him walk.
This puts the Raptors in the driver’s seat for any negotiation as well. Teams who believe Toronto will match any contract are unlikely to spend valuable cap-space on an offer sheet to Anunoby.
The Raptors will have two seasons to properly evaluate what Anunoby brings to the table. After that, they’ll be put an incredibly advantageous negotiating position. OG’s contract provides value in more ways than one.