Toronto Raptors: Pros and cons of an OG Anunoby trade

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TORONTO, ON – JANUARY 23: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors leads the team in a huddle (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /

Cons

Assuming the core outside of Anunoby is in the Raptors’ long-term plans, they must maximize the Siakam-VanVleet window. However, trading a glue guy like Anunoby doesn’t make sense if pursuing a championship remains in the Raptors’ eyes in the next few years.

Anunoby has proven to get better throughout every season, and at just 24 years old, his best basketball is ahead of him. Whether the Raptors are in the ‘championship or bust’ mode or want to go more towards the youth movement, Anunoby is a rare player that fits both categories.

Toronto Raptors: OG Anunoby is a valuable asset.

Even if the posturing from rival executives is true and Anunoby is a bit unhappy, he’s still under the Raptors’ control for at least the next two seasons on a very favorable contract. He fits the timeline and could pair with Barnes as the forward tandem for the next decade.

Anunoby is the perfect No. 3 or No. 4 role player for a championship team, providing elite defense and outside shooting. For a team like Toronto who struggled tremendously from deep this season, you probably don’t want to add to that problem by trading away one of the best 3-and-D players in the league.