O.G. Anunoby has quietly emerged as one of the most intriguing players possibly available ahead of this year’s NBA Trade Deadline.
Coming into the season nobody really knew what to expect out of the Toronto Raptors, and after 49 games it’s clear that this group isn’t going to win anything in 2023.
Presently the Raptors are 22-27 and sit 12th in the Eastern Conference. It makes sense for them to be sellers at the deadline, and Anunoby appears to be the team’s most prized commodity.
According to Ian Begley of SNY, the New York Knicks made a very serious offer for Anunoby. How serious? Apparently their proposal involved “multiple” first round picks. Ultimately, Toronto rebuffed their advances.
Why? Well, there are a few reasons.
First, as reported by Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports, Anunoby doesn’t actually want to leave the Raptors.
“I would be shocked if Pascal was moved before the deadline,” Fischer said.
“I really would. I think it’s not impossible, but he wants to be in Toronto from everything I’ve heard.”
If Anunoby — who is only 25 years old – really wants to stay then the Raptors might be better served trading other players and building around him.
There are currently four NBA teams with very real interest in Fred VanVleet. He will likely not pick up his player option this summer and opt to become a free agent. How can the Raptors ensure he doesn’t leave for nothing? Trade him now.
Finally something impressive from the New England Patriots. https://t.co/T8eyAOeCSi
— Game 7 (@game7__) January 26, 2023
Gary Trent Jr. is another name to watch ahead of Feb. 9.
Both Toronto and New York clearly want to make some moves ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline, but it is increasingly looking like Anunoby will be staying pat.
Related: Chicago Bulls’ Asking Price For Alex Caruso In Any Trade
A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.
