Building a Raptors-Pacers trade proposal around OG Anunoby

Would Toronto make this trade with Indiana?

Now the question becomes whether the Raptors would say yes to this deal. Understanding why they might pull the trigger comes down to the fit of the players coming back around the current core.

Bitadze is an underrated center who has been stuck behind Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner. Still, he could be a low-end starter who would step in and be an upgrade over Christian Koloko if the latter hits the rookie wall.

Duarte can be a Gary Trent Jr. replacement (should he not return for 2023) and help this team space the court and make shots in the halfcourt. If Trent sticks around. Duarte still has two seasons left on his rookie-scale contract and provides them with important depth. McConnell can be the backup point guard this team hasn’t really had for quite some time.

The Toronto Raptors need a haul for OG Anunoby.

Every player coming over has a slot to fit into and eases the minute load on the other rotation players. With that being said, the Raptors might say no because no premium assets are coming back. The picks will likely be outside of the lottery, and none of the players have All-Star upside.

Trading Anuonby clears up the forward room and adds valuable depth at other positions. The three first-round picks will help them stock up the roster as well. Yet, at the same time, this front office loves Anunoby and will be extremely loathed to move him. In the end, the Raptors will probably turn this down, but there’s a lot to like from Indiana’s offer.