OG Anunoby hints at potential contract extension talks with Raptors

The Toronto Raptors’ roster will look nothing like the squad’s current iteration, as players like Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby could be on the chopping block. Despite the latter leading the league in steals per game, he has been mentioned as a potential trade target for months.

The Raptors looked into moving Anunoby, who reportedly is seeking a larger offensive role on the offensive end, at the trade deadline. Talks with the Golden State Warriors nearly progressed to completion, but Toronto’s asking price appeared to be too much for them to overcome.

Anunoby still has one year left on his four-year, $72 million contract, but he is eligible for an extension this season. Anunoby would be a tremendous piece for this Raptors organization moving forward, putting even more pressure on the front office to get this deal done.

For Anunoby himself, he said that he “would definitely talk to [the Raptors]” this offseason about a potential extension. This quote came before he praised the city of Toronto and his teammates, which may go some way to quieting down all the rumors hinting that he wants out.

OG Anunoby might be extended by the Toronto Raptors.

Anunoby is an interesting beast on offense. While he is an above-average 3-point shooter that can pile up the points in a hurry when he gets hot, Raptors fans have become collectively very frustrated with him every time he loses his dribble or gets called for a charge.

Some might be unwilling to invest in Anunoby unless he shows tangible progress as a creator on offense. The others, however, are so enticed by Anunoby’s defensive skills that they would make him a part of the team’s future, irrespective of how his offensive game ends up progressing.

Trading him and recouping a haul of assets seems desirable, but no defender Toronto gets back will be anywhere close to Anunoby’s skill level. Even if the team abandons the whole “Vision 6-9” project, having a switchable dynamo like Anunoby is an extremely worthwhile path to pursue.

Anunoby is an ideal player for the Raptors. He shows up, rarely makes a scene, does his job every day, and has been rewarded with some recognition for his skills. Toronto will likely give him a contract at some point in the future if they want to run it back with large chunks of the same core.