These Grizzlies-Raptors trade features OG Anunoby

An NBA writer came up with a trade scenario involving Toronto Raptors and Memphis Grizzlies, focusing on elite defensive wing OG Anunoby.

Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report proposes that the Raptors send Anunoby to the Raptors in exchange for Brandon Clarke, Ziaire Williams, David Roddy, a 2024 first-round pick (top-four protected, via GSW) and a 2027 first-round pick.

“The Grizzlies need a two-way wing. And they know it,” Buckley wrote. “They pushed hard for both Anunoby and Mikal Bridges at the deadline, but fell short. They must not let that happen again.”

Anunoby averaged 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 67 games with the Raptors while shooting 47.6% from the field, 38.7% from outside the arc and 83.8% from the free throw line. He signed a four-year, $72 million rookie contract extension with Toronto in December 2020, which is fully guaranteed through the 2023-24 season ahead of a $19.9 million player option for 2024-25.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & Memphis Grizzlies Updates

After firing head coach Nick Nurse, the Raptors may want to consider undergoing a remodel. Toronto fell short in the 9-10 play-in game, losing to the Chicago Bulls and failing to qualify for the postseason.

The idea would be to build around Scottie Barnes, who intrigues many in the long run. With players like Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr. and Jakob Poeltl on the verge of achieving free agency, this only solidifies the timing for a rebuild.

“As for the Raptors, their makings are all in place for an off-season overhaul centered around last season’s Rookie of the Year, Scottie Barnes,” Buckley wrote. “They’ve already moved on from coach Nick Nurse, and it’s conceivable they’ll see Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr. and Jakob Poeltl lose all three to free agency. Should those deductions come to light, trades with Anunoby and Pascal Siakam are likely in order.”

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & Memphis Grizzlies Updates

The Grizzlies teamed up with Mikal to trade Bridges for Anunoby before the midseason trade deadline, sources say NBA Analytics Network. By acquiring the Raptors forward, the goal would be to get the type of player the Grizzlies were looking for when they selected Ziaire Williams with the 10th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.

“Anunoby would be a godsend for the Grizzlies. He’s a lanky, disruptive, hyper-versatile defender with three balls (37.5 percent career high) and some ability to create his own shot,” Buckley wrote. “In many ways, he’s essentially the final version of what Memphis envisioned when it handed over the No. 10 pick of the 2021 draft to Williams.”

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & Memphis Grizzlies Updates

With Anunoby in the fold, the Grizzlies were able to contribute to an impressive roster consisting of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. by upgrading the role previously held by Dillon Brooks. At 25 years old, Anunoby could make an important contribution for the long haul.

“A quartet of Morant, Anunoby, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. not only seems to be champion quality right now, but it would stay that way for much of the next decade as 25 year old Anunoby would be the oldest member. And should Memphis discover it still has gaps to fill, it will have other choices and prospects to shop around to plug any gaps.

The Grizzlies have a bright future as long as Morant can stay available and focus on the team’s success. He has remained a distraction off the field early in the off-season. However, there is still a lot of optimism about what this core can accomplish despite a disappointing first-round exit by LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.

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