The Sacramento Kings are aggressively pursuing Toronto Raptors small forward OG Anunoby, according to NBA insider Damien Barling of ESPN 1320.
The Kings tried to trade for Anunoby at the February trade deadline, but a deal didn’t come to fruition.
Anunoby averaged 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 2022-23 for the Raptors while shooting 47.6% from the floor, 38.7% from beyond the arc and 83.8% from the free-throw line. The versatile swingman from London signed a four-year, $72 million rookie contract extension with Toronto in December 2020.
Anunoby is eligible to sign a new extension with the Raptors — or any team — in the fall. The Indiana product 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 Chicago Bulls in the 9-10 play-in game.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & Sacramento Kings Updates
Anunoby has career averages of 11.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists. He won the 2019 championship with the Raptors over the Golden State Warriors in six games. Toronto drafted Anunoby with the 23rd overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
The Kings lost to the Warriors in the first round of the 2023 playoffs in seven games. The team has a bright future and adding Anunoby could help the organization get to the second round or conference finals next season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & Sacramento Kings Updates
The Raptors could rebuild this offseason after missing the playoffs this year, so Anunoby may be available on the trade market. It will be fascinating to see what Toronto does this summer after parting ways with Nick Nurse and hiring Darko Rajakovic as its new head coach.
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