How This Deal Impacts Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors have been mentioned as a potential landing spot for all of the All-Star players on the trade block.

Donovan Mitchell and Kevin Durant have both been linked to the Raptors in some capacity, but they have been unwilling to part ways with Scottie Barnes Jr. in those deals.

To compensate for not having him included, the Raptors should be open to adding as much draft capital as possible. This trade with the Atlanta Hawks could lead them to have enough draft picks to land one of those superstars.

The Raptors are acquiring two unprotected first-round picks from the Hawks in this deal, meaning they could now include six in trade talks for Mitchell and Durant. That would likely push them to the front of those negotiations as the New York Knicks are the only team that can top that kind of draft capital that has been involved in trade talks.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Toronto Raptors & Atlanta Hawks Updates

Toronto is also acquiring center Onyeka Okongwu. The center spot remains a need north of the border and they could have a long-term answer there with the 21-year-old USC product.

Okongwu is stuck behind Clint Capela in Atlanta but would have a clear path to playing time, potentially even a starting role, in Toronto.

Those are three big-time assets that the Raptors would be acquiring in exchange for Anunoby. While Nick Nurse did a great job game planning with smaller lineups, having a real center to deploy will improve their chances of competing in the postseason.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Toronto Raptors & Atlanta Hawks Updates

The extra draft picks are great to have as well even if they are unable to swing a deal for Mitchell or Durant ahead of the 2022-23 season.