The Toronto Raptors are currently 1.5 games out of a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament with a record of 23-29. With just about a week until the NBA trade deadline, Toronto is looking more and more like a team that is going to shake things up and become sellers.
One of the players who have been garnering some attention is OG Anunoby. Even last summer teams were gauging his market, but the Raptors turned teams away. While no indication has been given they have changed their minds, a recent announcement could show their hand.
Anunoby will be sidelined for the remainder of the Raptors’ road trip with a sprained left wrist. He will be re-evaluated when the team returns home, with the last game being February 5th. Was that done as a move to keep him off the court and ensure he is as healthy as possible with the deadline set for February 9th in hopes of trading him?
If Anunoby is going to be moved, two teams have emerged as potential landing spots; the New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns. Shams Charania of The Athletic offered an update on the Anunoby market.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks & Phoenix Suns Updates
That is likely the minimum asking price as Toronto reportedly has an offer that includes three first-round picks on the table. If they had any inkling of moving Anunoby, it is surprising that the trigger wasn’t pulled on that deal.
New York’s willingness to offer multiple first-round picks sounds a bit like desperation after striking out on Donovan Mitchell. It could also be argued that such a move wouldn’t move them closer to becoming contenders and would negatively impact their ability to acquire a true star player.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks & Phoenix Suns Updates
Phoenix needs some help on the wing and in the frontcourt. Given their status coming into the season as a contender, they are likelier to pull the trigger on a multi-pick trade package than the Knicks are. The Suns have to maximize their current window, which is getting dangerously close to shutting.
