This Raptors-Pacers trade swaps OG Anunoby and Buddy Hield

The Toronto Raptors may need to get on the phone with the Indiana Pacers relatively soon, as the latest rumors seem to hint that Kevin Pritchard might be willing to trade away one of his top draft assets in the No. 7 overall pick in exchange for a veteran starter.

OG Anunoby, who played his college ball right in the Pacers’ backyard in Bloomington, could make a return to the state of Indiana if this front office is serious about jump-starting the road back to contention. This could prompt a trade that helps Toronto land a second lottery pick.

If the Raptors end up making a deal with Indiana, they should place a ton of time and effort into trying to acquire Buddy Hield. A veteran player who is one of the best shooters in the league, Hield might be one of the most effective ways to improve the team’s lackluster shooting skill.

The Raptors could send Anunoby to the Pacers if they are serious about taking that seventh-overall pick away. The return package may be more picks than players due to the weird state of Indiana’s roster right now, but the potential to switch the team up in dramatic fashion is very alluring.

This Pacers-Raptors trade swaps OG Anunoby and Buddy Hield.

Hield is still a quality scorer that should be able to hop right in and average 15 points per game at the absolute worst. Toronto’s half-court game was so bad that Hield is worth paying such a high price for.

Not only would Anunoby get a featured offensive role as Tyrese Haliburton’s co-star, but the Raptors would land a second-rounder right outside of the first round and another pick of value in 2025.

In terms of targets with the No. 7 overall pick, Toronto could either land a perfect “Vision 6-9” prospect like Jarace Walker or Cam Whitmore, take a toolsy shooter like Gradey Dick or Taylor Hendricks, or get their pick of one of the top guard prospects in this class. The possibilities are truly endless!

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The Raptors know that they need to make some move rather than just sitting on their hands, and Hield would be a very tasty treat the Pacers could dangle in front of them. Anunoby could fill a position of need, while the Raptors land multiple premium draft picks and a high-floor Gary Trent Jr. replacement.