The Toronto Raptors are the only team that has the potential to turn this trade deadline into a success and shake up the race for the playoffs. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, 29 other general managers are awaiting Massai Ujiri’s response, and when they called, they were informed that “the franchise will make a decision about being a buyer or seller – or standing pat – near deadline day.”
According to Charania, the Knicks want to be at the top of the line for defensive wing O.G. Anunoby in the event that Toronto does decide to trade a player other than the anticipated Gary Trent Jr.
According to sources, Raptors forward O.G. Anunoby has attracted interest from the Knicks and Suns, among other teams. According to those sources, New York has demonstrated a willingness to offer multiple first-round picks in exchange for Anunoby. In contrast, the Suns control all eight of their first-round picks up until 2030. The Knicks’ interest was first reported by SNY last week.
Anunoby is a very Thibodeau-like player who is an All-Defensive Team-level wing stopper who can finish and is averaging 16.9 points per game. As a result, there would be a lot of teams interested in him. Additionally, Anunoby, who is only 25 years old, has been guaranteed $18.6 million for the upcoming season. Even though point guards and centers are more in demand than wings this trade season, many teams could use a player of Anunoby’s caliber. as well as the Knicks.
He won’t be cheap; the price range would be two unprotected (or lightly protected) first-round picks with matching salaries.
If the Raptors do not make him available, which is what everyone is hoping for, then none of that matters.
