One of the key names that people have mentioned as a possible moving piece prior to the Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline is Toronto Raptors forward O.G. Anunoby.
According to a recent report, the Memphis Grizzlies appear to be a team that could try to make a run at the talented wing.
“There’s been some speculation from a few rival executives that the Memphis Grizzlies could make a run at O.G. Anunoby, given their surplus of draft picks in the years to come,” Michael Scotto reported for HoopsHype. “… There was also a report out there, I believe from the Toronto Star, that one mystery team previously offered three first-round picks for Anunoby. … I don’t see Toronto getting a better package than that for him.”
Anunoby would be a massive addition for the talented Grizzlies. Not only would the 25-year-old forward fit very well within the talented team’s young core and timeline, but he would also contribute to an already stifling defense in Memphis.
Moreover, Anunoby would likely benefit from playing with a rising superstar like Ja Morant. Though Anunoby definitely has talented teammates in Toronto, none of them command the level of attention and respect from opposing defenses that Morant does.
Perhaps most importantly for Anunoby, he would be on a team that has real title aspirations right now. Anunoby is already a one-time champion, but he didn’t get to play during Toronto’s 2019 run to the championship. Unfortunately for the Raptors, their winning rate has taken a big dip this season compared to that of last season.
One thing that is worth mentioning is that the Grizzlies would certainly have competition in the Anunoby sweepstakes. It doesn’t seem like there is any shortage of interest in the former first-round pick.
As for the Raptors, they will surely do all that they can to make sure that they’re getting the best possible deal if they do end up deciding to send Anunoby away. Based on Scotto’s report, it looks like Memphis is definitely a team to keep an eye on.
On the season, Anunoby is putting up 16.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and a league-leading 2.1 steals per game. He’s in his sixth season at the NBA level after entering the league in the 2017 draft.
