The Toronto Raptors have been one of the most watched teams in the league now that the trade deadline is starting to inch closer, and OG Anunoby has been one player that teams across the league are starting to focus on with even greater scrutiny. Dealing him would make a ton of sense for Toronto right now.
On top of the fact that Toronto has both Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr. in need of new contracts in the offseason, the latest rumors are all hinting at the idea that Anunoby may want out of Toronto and is eyeing a fresh start. If he is indeed on the move, most teams in the league should be trying to acquire him.
Anunoby would get a haul regardless of when he is traded, but the inflated market that Toronto finds themselves in could help OG go for multiple unprotected first-round picks. The Raptors could look across the league as they try to find the best possible offer for his services.
If Anunoby is going to be traded, these five teams would all make excellent landing spots. The combination of value he could provide them and the haul the Raptors would get in return makes these marriages just too perfect for both parties involved.
Toronto Raptors trade rumors: 5 teams who could get OG Anunoby.
5. Phoenix Suns
While the Suns showed that they can be a viable Western Conference difference-maker in the last few years when everyone is healthy, Phoenix also proved that they are one more impact player away from getting back into the championship discussion. James Jones needs to figure out how to maximize Devin Booker’s prime and Chris Paul’s twilight.
The Suns already have one of the best two-way wings in the league in Mikal Bridges, so adding Anunoby to the mix in what is already a very open West could be the difference-maker that Jones needs to get his team back to the mountaintop. Aggression is key here.
Toronto Raptors trade rumors: The Suns may get OG Anunoby.
One player the Raptors could prioritize in trade talks is Cameron Johnson, a 6-8 forward who can also shoot it from 3-point range. Perhaps they go big and acquire Deandre Ayton? With the West up for grabs right now, Phoenix likely won’t feel too bad about giving up some high-end compensation to push the window open a bit further.
Much like Toronto, Phoenix has made a habit of hoarding forwards that can defend multiple spots. Getting someone of Anunoby’s caliber with the personnel they already have in place would have Phoenix right at the top of many defensive categories.
4. Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers were reportedly interested in acquiring Anunoby before the 2022 NBA Draft, even dangling the No. 7 overall pick in front of Ujiri’s face. While he didn’t pull the trigger the first time around, Ujiri may have found enough motivation to get back on the horn with Portland and try to acquire some of their young talents.
The Blazers may not be able to get a deal done with Jerami Grant, taking away one of Damian Lillard’s top running mates. With Portland not exactly a marquee free agent landing spot, they may need to make creative trades to stay competitive.
Toronto Raptors trade rumors: OG Anunoby will help the Blazers.
Portland has Shaedon Sharpe developing right now, but Lillard and Anfernee Simons are currently blocking his path to significant playing time. A package led by Sharpe, experienced wing Josh Hart, and some draft capital might be enough for Toronto to surrender one of the best players in franchise history to the Blazers.
While Portland might be hesitant to deal with the Raptors after very clearly losing the Norman Powell/Gary Trent Jr. swap two deadlines ago, the idea of acquiring Anunoby could be too enticing for this front office to pass up. They need to ask themselves how seriously they want to win with Lillard.
3. New York Knicks
What are the Knicks waiting for? They have Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, but can that dynamic duo really contend for a championship? With so many first-round picks they have no idea what to do with, they could cash some of those in as they pursue a star.
Anunoby might not be the most natural fit in this offense, but it is a real indictment on a coach if they can’t carve out a role for one of the league’s most consistent and rugged young players. Seeing Anunoby in Knicks blue and orange will sting, but this team could get desperate.
Toronto Raptors trade rumors: The Knicks may like OG Anunoby.
The Knicks will likely try to tempt the Raptors with players like Obi Toppin, but Immanuel Quickley should be the No. 1 target on Ujiri’s list if Toronto wants to get an impact player in return. Cam Reddish and Isaiah Hartenstein might be able to sweeten the deal along with tons of picks.
Ujiri shouldn’t be as concerned about letting him go to a rival in the East. When you’re dealing with a player that can land a package of this magnitude, getting the best possible return package (which the Knicks might offer) should be the only priority.
2. Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies may be behind a mile-high Anunoby suitor in the Western Conference standings, but they can’t allow the Denver Nuggets to run away with the title. After losing five straight games, Memphis might think it is time to finally start moving off some of their future first-round picks and related depth pieces.
The Grizzlies have Ja Morant in place, a top-flight interior duo in Jaren Jackson Jr. and Steven Adams, and a parade of shooters led by Dillon Brooks and Desmond Bane. Anunoby’s ability to make an impact on both ends without demanding the ball a ton will work well for Memphis.
Toronto Raptors trade rumors: Grizzlies may be ideal for OG Anunoby.
The Grizzlies not only have tons of future first-round picks to offer, but they could tempt Toronto with multiple young players who are finding it hard to lock down tons of minutes in a crowded rotation. Former first-round picks like David Roddy and Ziaire Williams could be the centerpiece of a deal that gets Anunoby in light blue.
Memphis has a real chance to unseat Denver as the top dog in the West and hold onto that spot through most of Morant’s prime. With the shelf life for hyper-athletic rim-running point guards not always super long, the Grizzlies need to swing a deal for a player like Anunoby.
1. New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans will have to make some sort of trade. Not only do they have so many first-round picks that they are the envy of nearly every executive in the league, but they have lost eight consecutive games without Zion Williamson. It’s time for them to trade away some of their depth and add one more impact star.
When Williamson comes back, the Pelicans may have the best starting five in the West. Zion and Jonas Valanciunas in the frontcourt, CJ McCollum running point, and perhaps the league’s longest perimeter wing duo of Brandon Ingram and Anunoby would be a nightmare for defenses.
Toronto Raptors trade rumors: The Pelicans would love OG Anunoby.
Recent No. 8 overall pick Dyson Daniels would make a ton of sense as a potential Raptors trade target, but he may not be available. With or without Daniels, Ujiri will likely be targeting versatile wings like Trey Murphy III, Naji Marshall, and Herb Jones. Devonte’ Graham can be thrown in as salary filler.
The Pelicans have a core that goes three deep for the first time in forever, meaning it would be basketball malpractice to let this group wither on the vine without additional support. They can still be competitive even after trading some juicy assets over to Toronto.