Raptors forward OG Anunoby could be part of a roster shakeup this summer, given how Toronto’s uneven season ended with a thud.
And the Knicks, Pistons and Pelicans are among the teams that have been mentioned as potential suitors.
“Wing defenders are at a huge premium, there are so few guys who can be a stopper on the wing and still make some shots and be a factor offensively, guys who can walk and chew gum,” an Eastern Conference GM told Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports. “OG can do that. He is still getting better. You’re gonna have to pay him after next year but he is on a good contract now.”
Enter the Knicks and Pistons. And according to some, perhaps the Warriors and Pelicans, too.
“The Knicks are in a good position to really look at using the picks they have to get a wing defender who can solidify the rest of the roster,” the GM told Deveney. “And I’d look out for Detroit. Dwane Casey was OG’s first coach. They are going to look to get out of their rebuilding mode sooner rather than later and they have the assets to do it. New Orleans is in the same boat. The Warriors would have trouble making it happen but I know some of them on that staff really love OG.”
The Raptors were reportedly seeking three first-round picks for Anunoby ahead of the February trade deadline. But rather than blow it up, Toronto decided to see what would happen if it kept the band together.
The answer? Nothing much.
So the rest of the league is watching and waiting, as there’s suddenly a sense the Raptors could spend the offseason starting over. Only for real this time.
Anunoby, 25, is 6-foot-7 and averaged 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and career-high 1.9 steals, shooting 48 percent from the field. He is set to make $18.6 million next season, with a player option for $19.9 million at the end of 2024-25.
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