Hoops Habit
Fansided

5 Untraded NBA players that need to be rescued

By Richard Nurse

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 08: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles up the ball against O.G. Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors during the second half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on January 8, 2023 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 08: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles up the ball against O.G. Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors during the second half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on January 8, 2023 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /
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O.G. Anunoby  (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
O.G. Anunoby  (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /

3. OG Anunoby – Toronto Raptors

Trading away players who no longer fit the script of a franchise is standard NBA 101. But getting rid of one who is coveted by others is always a battle. Especially when said player can still contribute to the team’s present and future.

Thus comes the dilemma for a Toronto Raptors team amid a disappointing season.

It is undeniable that they are flush with talented assets, however, the team is swimming slightly below .500. And although they recently acquired Jakob Poeltl for three picks–in a quest to stay in play-in contention–the Raptors are a team that will be stuck with the decision to blow it up or go all in.

Poeltl will be entering free agency this summer, while player options and the absence of a contract extension could see Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr., and Nick Nurse’s futures become very uncertain. Now enter the subject of Raptors trade inquiries for the past two years, OG Anunoby. Not only is the small forward averaging 16.9 points per game and shooting 36 percent from three, but his league-leading steals numbers make him an enticing two-way commodity that many teams would barter to get their jerseys on.

There is no greater evidence of this than the rumors of opponents offering up to three first-round picks just to entice the Raptors to even discuss an Anunoby deal. Bigger than that is the talk of Anunoby wanting a fresh start after becoming disheartened with his role.

Even if there is not a mass exodus, this summer, the perceived discord, and offers are enough to want to see how much more potential Anunoby could unlock if he was freed.