The NBA trade market is beginning to heat up with less than a week until the deadline on February 9th. The Toronto Raptors are one team that people are keeping a close eye on as they could reshape the market if they opt to make some major changes. OG Anunoby trade rumors have been the most prominent north of the border.
Anunoby has been garnering attention from multiple teams around the league and it is easy to see why. He is an improving player offensively and at 25 years old, there is still hope he can take his game to another level.
Defensively, he is already a standout. Many people have clamored for him to be part of the Defensive Player of the Year discussions as arguably the best perimeter defender in the NBA. Acquiring him would elevate any team’s performance on that end of the court. But, actually pulling off a deal for him is easier said than done.
The asking price for him is reportedly very high, which isn’t surprising. Regardless of what route the Raptors opt to take, Anunoby fits that timeline. They reportedly have an offer on the table that includes three first-round picks, which is a high bar to meet.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
The New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, and Phoenix Suns have been mentioned as possible suitors for Anunoby. The New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies could engage in a bidding war to keep the other from acquiring him.
Another team to keep an eye on according to Brian Windhorst is the Portland Trail Blazers. On The Hoop Collective Pod, Windhorst revealed that he believes Portland would be very interested should Anunoby become available and would be willing to pay a premium price.
“If OG Anunoby became available, I think they would be very interested. You would probably start an offer there with Shaedon Sharpe.”
Shaedon Sharpe, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, has shown some remarkable flashes during his rookie season. It is made even more impressive when taking into account that he didn’t play college basketball last season while at Kentucky.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Only 19, he would be an intriguing centerpiece for the Raptors to acquire. He has elite-level athleticism and has shown some nice skills in his limited minutes in the rotation. Also, he hails from Canada. Not many players want to play for Toronto, but a Canadian may feel differently about it.
Adding Anunoby to a lineup along with Damian Lillard and Jerami Grant would give Portland quite a trio to build around. The defense has been a major issue for the Trail Blazers in recent seasons but Anunoby would help turn things around on that end of the court instantly.
