The Toronto Raptors could be one of the most influential teams at the NBA trade deadline, with multiples teams eyeing the likes of Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby. As trade rumors swirl in advance of the Feb. 9 deadline, new details are emerging about exactly what Toronto might seek in return.
The Raptors signed Anunoby to a four-year, $72 million contract extension in Dec. 2021, locking him in as part of their long-term core. While the 25-year-old has blossomed into one of the best two-way wings in the NBA, Toronto’s struggles this season have opened the door to a potential trade in February.
- OG Anunoby stats (2022-’23): 17.3 PPG, 2.1 SPG, 5.6 RPG, 45.9 FG%
Related: New Orleans Pelicans could target OG Anunoby
After a relatively promising 5-3 start to the season, the Raptors have slipped down the NBA standings. Entering play on Friday, Toronto lost three of its last five games and sat outside the Play-In range for the Eastern Conference. With the increasing likelihood of the team becoming sellers, the interest in Anunoby is ramping up.
Appearing on Friday’s NBA Today, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported that Toronto is receiving a lot of calls on Anunoby. While it’s unclear if a deal will happen, the starting point for any talks is significant.
“”OG Anunoby is a player around the league—there is great interest in him at really probably the most important position in the league at that wing forward. You know, 6’7″ player, two-way player, I think there’s a belief that Toronto could get as many as three first-round picks in a deal for Anunoby if they decided to move him.”
Adrian Wojnarowski on the trade market for OG Anunoby
Any team that acquires Anunboby would do so with the expectation he is only under contract through the 2023-’24 season. While there is a $19.928 million player option for the 2024-’25 season, his level of play makes it a near certainty he’ll decline to become a free agent.
Related: Toronto Raptors turned down massive OG Anunoby trade offer
Given the lack of impact talent available at the NBA trade deadline this summer, Toronto is operating from a position of strength. It could keep Anunoby until the summer and then field offers for him with his trade value likely around the same range.
Based on Toronto’s reported asking price, a team like the New Orleans Pelicans is in the best position to potentially acquire Anunoby before Feb. 9.