NBA Trade Machine: Can Memphis Grizzlies acquire OG Anunoby by selling key assets like Desmond Bane before the NBA trade deadline?
With the trade deadline fast-approaching, Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby has been a key name in rumors. With Toronto continuing to struggle, many teams around the league are waiting for them to start fielding offers for their top players.
Seeing that he can fit in just about every team, OG Anunoby should have a large number of suitors, one them being the Memphis Grizzlies. Seeing that they're a top team in the Western Conference again, they might be looking to make an all-in move to commit to a finals run.
Another reason why the Grizzlies should be in on Anunoby is because they have the assets to get a trade done. From a financial standpoint, pairing breakout stars Desmond Bane and Dillion Brooks makes things work from a salary-matching perspective.
Anunoby has been one of the top three-and-D wings in the league. He is averaging 16.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.0 assits and 2.1 steals. On top of that, he is on an extremely team-friendly contract for the next two years.
Memphis Grizzlies don't need to add Desmond Bane in a deal for OG Anunoby
There is no denying that OG Anunoby would turn the Memphis Grizzlies into a legit contender, but they shouldn't part with a key player to acquire him. Since being drafted in the first round of the 2020 draft, Desmond Bane has been a foundational piece for the franchise.
Before missing significant time due to injury, Bane was putting on an All-Star level campaign this year. In 29 games, he is averaging close to 22 points per game and shooting a stellar 42% from beyond the arc. Most importantly, he's proven to be the perfect backcourt partner to star guard Ja Morant.
Over the years, the Grizzlies front office has done a great job finding and developing talent. They've also made sure to hold on to almost all of their draft capital. Because of this, Memphis can put together a trade package for Anunoby that doesn't include Bane.
There are countless young players on the Grizzlies' bench that should entice the Toronto Raptors. Not only will they get developed talent to spark their rebuild, but first-round picks as well. A deal between these two teams could end up being a rare win-win situation.
Part of why the Grizzlies should push for a finals run is because of the emergence of Desmond Bane. Shipping him away for Anunoby would make little sense as they look to compete for an NBA title this season.