One NBA writer is proposing that the Houston Rockets acquire OG Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors this summer.
Kelly Iko of The Athletic proposed that the Rockets send K.J. Martin, Tari Eason, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, and a 2025 first-round pick to the Raptors for Anunoby. The goal for Houston would be to add an established 3-and-D talent who happens to be one of the league’s top defenders.
“New Rockets head coach Ime Udoka is known for his defensive acumen, and Anunoby is one of the game’s most versatile and physical ball-stoppers around,” Iko wrote. “From a basketball perspective, it’s a nice fit, especially for a team that wants to turn things around. Houston would have to think twice about giving up on Eason’s upside after only a year, and the Raptors likely ask for even more draft compensation.
“But considering Toronto’s organizational position as a team in flux, I wouldn’t consider anything off the table. Pascal Siakam was another option, but his price tag might be too high for Houston. Anunoby is on a team-friendly deal relative to his on-court impact. Less than $20 million annually? Sign me up.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & Houston Rockets Updates
Anunoby averaged 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists this season for the Raptors while shooting 47.6% from the field, 38.7% from beyond the arc and 83.8% from the free-throw line. The Indiana product signed a four-year, $72 million rookie contract extension with the Raptors in December 2020.
Toronto drafted Anunoby with the 23rd overall pick in the 2017 draft. The swingman has career averages of 11.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists and was part of the 2019 championship team.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & Houston Rockets Updates
Anunoby is eligible to sign an extension with the Raptors. The rising star will make $18.6 million in 2023-24 and has a player option worth $19.9 million for 2024-25.
“The change in extension rules gives Toronto an extra $16 million it can offer Anunoby in a deal,” Bobby Marks of ESPN wrote after the Raptors lost to the Bulls in the play-in game. “A four-year, $116 million contract would start at $26.1 million and replace his $19.2 million player option in 2024-25. Anunoby averaged 17.3 points on 54.1% from the field and 44.2% on 3s after the All-Star break. Siakam is eligible to sign a four-year, $189.1 million max extension in July. If he earns All-NBA honors this season, he would then become supermax eligible. The extension would increase to five years and an extra $100 million.”
It will be fascinating to see what the Raptors do this summer. Some people around the NBA believe they could rebuild after firing head coach Nick Nurse.
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