Raptors trade rumors: 3 OG Anunoby trades to West contenders

DENVER, CO - APRIL 29: OG Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the basket against Michael Porter Jr. #1 of the Denver Nuggets (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - APRIL 29: OG Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the basket against Michael Porter Jr. #1 of the Denver Nuggets (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)
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OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors
TORONTO, ON – DECEMBER 30: O.G. Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors dunks (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)

Trade No. 3: Phoenix takes the plunge with OG Anunoby

Provided that the Suns don’t get into the Kyrie Irving sweepstakes, they should have as much of an interest in Anunoby as any contender in the league. The idea of pairing Anunoby and Mikal Bridges on the same defense would be a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Assuming that a Deandre Ayton swap can’t be worked out, the Suns might need to deal some of their best role players and first-round draft choices. Doing so would not only make the Raptors a much better offensive team by way of adding more shooting, but it could give Toronto tons of ammunition to use in offseason deals.

Toronto Raptors trade rumors: OG Anunoby could thrive in Phoenix.

Johnson, when healthy, is starting to come into his own as an elite wing shooter. Shamet has been traded quite often, but that’s because teams all over the league are interested in his 3-point shooting. Saric has slowed down after an ACL injury, but he could rehabilitate his value in Toronto.

If this is really it for the Raptors and Anunoby, the best case scenario for all parties involves Toronto getting draft capital and a standout young player in return for him while Anunoby gets to pursue a championship. Both Toronto and Phoenix could leave this trade smelling like a rose.