This 3-team trade could bring the Raptors two high draft picks

With the NBA draft quickly approaching, trade rumors are increasing by the minute. Fans and media continue to speculate different trade possibilities as teams look to rise up the board and get their hands on better prospects. Among those possibilities, the Toronto Raptors could make a three-team trade to get a higher pick.

Career Raptor OG Anunoby has long been in trade talks this season. The All-Defensive selection has hit his peak as a two-way player leading the league in steals and shooting well from outside. His value could be huge for any team in the NBA, as his production as an off-ball option is hard to match.

If the Raptors wanted to capitalize on Anunoby’s high stock, now would be their best chance. A possible three-way trade, along the lines of a trade that is percolating around NBA Twitter involving the Indiana Pacers and Dallas Mavericks, could swing the Raptors multiple picks in exchange for Anunoby.

3-Team trade to bring the Toronto Raptors a higher pick

This trade idea would ship Anunoby to Indiana and Buddy Hield to Dallas, bringing the Raptors two 2023 1st round picks. The Raptors would free up $18 million in cap space and get valuable picks for prospects or trade assets. Indiana would get a strong two-way wing to anchor and improve their defence. Dallas would earn an elite shooter to build spacing around Luka Doncic. A win-win trade for all involved.

Sending off Anunoby would be a hard hit for the squad. He is undoubtedly one of the best 3&D wings in the NBA and the heart and soul of the Raptors defence. However, the value of his next contract is set to spike as he earns All-Defensive honors, and the Raptors may not be able to afford an extension.

With the hiring of Darko Rajakovic as their new head coach, change (and possibly a rebuild) may be on the horizon. If Anunoby is going to break the bank, what better way to get a return than trading him for two lottery picks in the upcoming draft?

The Raptors could trigger the “re-tooling” by getting younger and beginning a new era of player development under Rajakovic. Their window on Anunoby is closing, and the possibility of him staying may diminish as the Raptors continue to spend on Pascal Siakam, Scottie Barnes, and potentially Fred VanVleet.

Although it would break Raptors fans’ hearts to see Anunoby go, earning two lottery picks in addition to the one Toronto already has could make for a highly productive off-season. Although trades like this are all speculation, the possibilities for Toronto are real. Whether they take action on a rebuild or not remains in question.