The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching. With rumors of the Toronto Raptors being a potential destination for Giannis Antetokounmpo, there’s the chance for a lot to happen in a short amount of time. If the Raps were to have a chance of acquiring beloved former wing OG Anunoby, it would be a tempting move, but it’s ultimately one this team should avoid making.
How would Toronto even end up in a situation where they have the opportunity to get Anunoby back in the first place, you ask? Well, let’s think of scenarios wherein Antetokounmpo ends up with what has been reported as his preferred destination: The Knicks. If that were to happen, New York would have to shed salary to make a deal work, and there’s a chance the Raptors could end up being a third team to help facilitate a trade.
If that were the case, there’s certainly a world in which Anunoby’s large contract is moved, and he ends up back with his former team across the border. That would certainly be a euphoric moment for Raptors fans. He was the last member of the 2019 championship team left when he was dealt away at the end of the calendar year in 2023. Getting him back in town would certainly increase the vibes around this team that much more.
Trading for OG Anunoby isn’t worth it for Toronto
But with that being said, his paystub is unfortunately the real deal-breaker here. OG will still be under contract for two more seasons after the current campaign, and he’s set to earn north of $87 million. That’s a massive consideration to make in any trade. And when you remember that Masai Ujiri didn’t want to pay Anunoby in the first place and that was why he opted to trade him, it feels like even less of a chance that the Raptors make this kind of nostalgic move.
It’s unfortunate, because OG would certainly be a fantastic on-court fit with this current group. Alongside Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley, Anunoby would be a perfect floor-spacer that would bring even more high-level defense and off-ball scoring ability.
But ultimately, the financial side of things just doesn’t line up here. Committing that kind of money to a familiar face would only hurt Toronto’s flexibility at a time when they’d much rather keep flexibility. As tempting as this reunion would be from an emotional perspective, the Raptors would be much better served resisting the urge to make a move that wouldn’t ultimately move them forward in the big picture.
