The Toronto Raptors surprised a lot of people when they finished the 2021-22 NBA season in sixth place in the Eastern Conference. Many presumed this would be a rebuilding season north of the border as they parted ways with the most decorated player in franchise history, Kyle Lowry.
But, Nick Nurse got the most out of his guys despite their limitations. Toronto lacked much size, which hurt them in their first-round series against Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers. To fill that void, Toronto could use OG Anunoby as a trade chip.
Anunoby is reportedly disappointed in the role that he currently has with the team, which could lead to him being moved this offseason. If there is truth to that, it won’t be hard finding a suitor for the Indiana product.
Numerous teams around the league should line up for the chance to acquire Anunoby, who possesses prototypical two-way size and loads of potential. One team that has already been linked to him is the San Antonio Spurs.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Toronto Raptors Could Trade OG Anunoby, San Antonio Spurs Linked
A former NBA executive that spoke to NBA Analysis Network believes the Spurs are an ideal landing spot for Anunoby, as they can provide him with the role he is looking for while filling a hole in their rotation.
“If role is a concern for OG Anunoby as it sounds like it is, the Spurs may be his best bet. They don’t have a superstar taking a ton of shots and they could use a stronger wing to play the four next to Keldon Johnson.”
A go-to scoring role would be waiting for Anunoby in San Antonio as well, as they don’t have an unquestioned No. 1 go-to option. Instead, the Spurs do it as a team, as a different player seems to step up every night for them.
If there is any team in the NBA that can help Anunoby reach his high ceiling it is the San Antonio Spurs. He has drawn some comparisons to All-Star Kawhi Leonard, who came into superstardom playing in San Antonio before winning a title with the Raptors.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Toronto Raptors Could Trade OG Anunoby, San Antonio Spurs Linked
Similar in size, skill, and career arc thus far, the comparisons to Leonard have more merit than some people may realize. Ending up with the same organization that helped Leonard take his game to another level could result in the same jump in production for Anunoby as well.
