Top 5 landing spots for OG Anunoby as rumors surface for Toronto Raptors former champion
OG Anunoby has been in trade rumors over the last two seasons. The talks spiked in the offseason as the Toronto Raptors and the versatile player failed to reach an agreement. Anunoby is expected to decline his $19.9 million player option for the 2024-25 season and become an unrestricted free agent if a deal isn’t reached.
Anunoby will have no shortage of suitors. He is a two-way player that could push for an All-Star berth in the right situation. Most basketball analysts are convinced that the Raptors would pick him over the veteran Pascal Siakam if forced to choose between the two.
Still, the NBA is a business and Toronto might find a suitable return for the defensive ace.
Here are some of the teams that could trade for OG Anunoby
#5. Dallas Mavericks
A starting lineup featuring OG Anunoby, Kyrie Irving, Grant Williams, Luka Doncic and Dereck Lively II is impressive. Anunoby will be a huge upgrade over Derrick Jones Jr. the Mavs’ starting small forward. He will significantly improve the team’s defense and provide decent shooting.
Doncic loves to play with teammates who go all out on every possession, something that Anunoby does. The attention that defenses give to “Luka Legend” and Irving will also improve Anunoby’s impact on offense.
Dallas may have to give up Tim Hardaway Jr., rookie Olivier-Maxence Prosper and three first-round picks. The price is hefty but the Raptors’ forward could move the needle for the Mavericks’ title hopes.
#4. Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers have the best offensive rating in the NBA. They also have the third-worst defensive rating (121.1 DRTG) in the league. Rick Carlisle’s team is only a hair better than the Washington Wizards (121.3) and the Charlotte Hornets (121.9) in that category.
OG Anunoby can shore up that end if the Pacers can acquire him. He and Myles Turner will form a defensive anchor that will only make Indinana better overall.
Indy’s offense may sputter a bit to acquire OG Anunoby. They may have to give up Buddy Hield, Benedict Mathurin and a future first-round pick. The boost on defense is badly needed and Carlisle may go that route.