Western contender may be ideal trade destination for Raptors’ OG Anunoby

The Toronto Raptors are likely going to take calls on anyone and everyone short of Scottie Barnes in their quest to rebuild, which will put OG Anunoby on the trade market. The defensive whiz and shooting expert has evolved into one of the best two-way forwards in the game.

However, an impending Pascal Siakam supermax deal coupled with Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr. potentially hitting free agency has made it hard for Toronto to envision a long-term plan in which Anunoby sticks around in a tertiary role. As such, teams from all over the league are trying to get a piece of them.

Anunoby seems like one of the most tradeable pieces out there, as every contender can find a role for someone with his level of defensive intelligence and skill. One team in the Western Conference could have a particular interest in acquiring Anunoby while compensating Toronto well.

HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto mentioned the Memphis Grizzlies as a team that could be able to trade for Anunoby, citing their collection of young assets and the fact that they have all of their first-round picks in the future. The Grizzlies just might come out of a wide-open West, and Anunoby would certainly play a big role in helping them do so.

Will the Toronto Raptors trade OG Anunoby to the Grizzlies?

Due to financial implications, 35-year-old Danny Green might have to make a triumphant return to Toronto despite not playing all season long due to an ACL injury. At the very least, Green can provide shooting in a limited role for a Raptors team that needs it.

With their own first-round pick and the Warriors’ top-four protected pick next year, the Raptors might be able to nab multiple premium selections. Steven Adams is the only Memphis player over 27 years old, so Toronto has tons of quality young talent to pick from.

Canadian Brandon Clarke could thrive in a more expansive role with Toronto, while Tyus Jones would be a rock-solid point guard to add to the mix. Scotto singles out two first-round picks in Ziaire Williams, an athletic forward finding it hard to crack the rotation, and David Roddy, an unusually big guard who fits Toronto’s versatile philosophy.

When the Raptors decide to move one of their starters, they will need to prioritize getting as many young players on controllable contracts as possible. Memphis’ stockpile of young assets and desire to win now could lead them to overpay in the quest to acquire Anunoby.