O.G. Anunoby next team odds: Grizzlies, Suns and Knicks top trade rumours for Raptors forward
The NBA trade deadline is quickly approaching and the Toronto Raptors’ on-court shortcomings mean a shakeup could be in order.
The latest: O.G. Anunoby’s name was largely held out of trade talks this season but recent reports have indicated the small forward could be on his way out the door. The Raptors share the shortest odds with the Memphis Grizzlies for Anunoby’s services, but the Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks have plenty of picks available to trade.
O.G. Anunoby next team odds
Odds as of 3:18 p.m. ET on 01/31/2023.
Toronto's odds to retain O.G. Anunoby
The favourite: Raptors (+130)
The Raptors share the shortest odds to acquire — or in this case, retain — Anunoby’s services.
It would certainly make sense for the swingman to remain in Toronto. He’s only 25 years old, yet he’s the third-longest-tenured player on the team. He’s also playing some solid ball this season, despite struggling in January.
Anunoby is averaging 16.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 45 games.
Those numbers might not jump off the page but he’s also been a one-man wrecking crew on defence. Anunoby is tied for the league lead in steals per game (2.1), has added nearly one block (0.8) per contest and his advanced defensive stats grade out well.
That type of defensive intensity doesn’t grow on trees and if Toronto wants to keep this core together then moving Anunoby would seem ill-advised.
But at the end of the day, the Raptors are at a crossroads. This team has underperformed, is not holding on to a playoff spot and now the vultures are circling.
Entering the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes is becoming a more appetizing option by the day and a couple of first-round picks might force Masai Ujiri’s hand in regard to Anunoby.
Next best odds to land O.G. Anunoby
The co-favourites: Memphis Grizzlies (+130)
Anunoby would fit into Taylor Jenkins’ system like a glove, so it’s no surprise the small forward has been linked to Memphis.
The Grizzlies are tied for first in defensive rating (109.7) and allow the ninth-fewest points per game (112.3) as of January 31. They’re a tough team to play against and adding Anunoby to the mix would make them even more prickly.
They have the draft capital to make this work, too. Memphis has nine draft picks over the next three seasons, including two 2024 first-round picks and two 2023 second-round selections.
With no clear-cut favourite in the West, trading for Anunoby could help solidify Memphis as the team to beat in its conference.
Teams to watch
Phoenix Suns (+175)
Phoenix has been in the market for a strong wing player for quite some time.
The Suns were linked to Kevin Durant way back in the summer and Anunoby, while not on Durant’s level, would be a strong addition to a team that needs to make a playoff push.
Phoenix has stumbled down the standings following an injury-riddled December but Chris Paul has returned to the lineup and Devin Booker is soon to follow.
Anunoby would form a solid wing rotation alongside the latter and Mikal Bridges, assuming neither is traded back to Toronto.
What the Suns do have is a solid amount of draft picks. Phoenix has eight first-round picks under its control until 2030 and could go all in for Anunoby without sacrificing any top-level talent.
A role player like Cameron Johnson or Jae Crowder might have to come back the other way but the Suns could keep their core together while the Raptors look toward the future.
New York Knicks (+500)
The Knicks are an interesting wild-card candidate that has emerged in this race.
It would be a surprise to see the Raptors deal Anunoby to a divisional rival, but perhaps New York will channel its inner Don Corleone and make Ujiri an offer he can’t refuse.
The Knicks have an abundance of picks and talented young players like Immanuel Quickley and Obi Toppin to complement them.
Moving one of those players in conjunction with some draft capital would certainly be an enticing offer.
