3 Bold predictions for the Toronto Raptors’ 2023 offseason
By Nolan Fluke
The Toronto Raptors’ front office loves to operate in silence. Fans have little information regarding the head coaching search, no intention from Raptors free agents, and only subtle hints for draft prospect workouts. All of this mystery means no one truly knows what the future holds for Toronto.
The NBA draft is only a few weeks away, and we have only a handful of tips on who the Raptors are looking at with their 13th pick. Key free agents in Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr. have not announced any kind of intention with their player options for next season. The franchise also remains without a head coach to help guide the ship.
Looking into this summer’s offseason, no one knows what the team’s plans are, let alone how they will look come October. However, with the limited information available, a few key bold predictions can be made for the Raptors’ upcoming season.
Considering their performance last year and their potential roster for the next campaign, here are three bold predictions for the Toronto Raptors.
3 Bold Predictions for the Toronto Raptors
1. OG Anunoby is traded
Coming off the first All-Defensive season of his career and winning the steals per game crown, OG Anunoby’s stock has never been higher. A two-way wing, Anunoby is an elite perimeter defender and shot 39% on his three-point attempts last season. He has become a highly valuable wing who should be held in high esteem by any NBA team.
2023-24 is the last guaranteed season that the Raptors will have Anunoby. At the end of the year, OG faces a $20 million player option. There is a possibility that he could take his All-Defensive play and hit the open market for a larger deal. Despite him being a quiet individual and having made no indication of a dislike for Toronto, money is always a silent motivator in the NBA.
Will the Toronto Raptors trade OG Anunoby?
If the Raptors want to capitalize on the assets they own, selling Anunoby could be difficult with the one remaining guaranteed year, but is entirely possible. Rumors and ideas for trade destinations have included Golden State, Indiana, and New York. All teams with assets that could help build up the Raptors roster moving forward.
Toronto cannot ignore a trade possibility, and Anunoby’s current rising stock may be an excellent opportunity to fill a need. With Portland being rumored to move the third overall pick, moving Anunoby could be the teams’ chance to make a move this off-season.