Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
Firstly, it’s hard to address a potential Anunoby trade without addressing the rumors that surrounded his name this summer. After all, his happiness north of the border factors into any deal; he could be involved in.
Speculation suggested that Anunoby had grown tired of a limited 3-and-D role in Toronto, and was seeking more ball-handling reps. If those rumors lacked substance, the Raptors may be content to continue with their wing-oriented rotation. On the other hand, if they were true, they have an incentive to move the young wing.
In that event, this deal is more than fair from a pure value perspective. Allen is one of the best rim-running, rim-protecting big men in the NBA.
Moreover, his feet are quick enough to survive switches when need be. Nobody is mistaking Allen for Draymond Green, but if he ends up guarding a quicker wing, your defense isn’t sunk either.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers & Toronto Raptors Updates
As fun as the Raptors were last season, it’s hard to shake the feeling that, in a deep playoff run, they may need a more conventional big. They don’t have to do anything this drastic – there would be lower-cost options they could entertain that would allow them to keep Anunoby.
On the other hand, if the Cavaliers were open to this move, the Raptors would have to entertain it. Should they be?
