The NBA’s offseason is in full swing. By now, we’ve got a lay of the land. We know who the likely buyers are, and who the likely sellers are. With that in mind, no team is more likely to sell than the Toronto Raptors.
Everyone’s got their eyes on Canada’s team. They’re as strong of a candidate to make a deal as anybody. The Raptors have plenty of win-now talent, and they’re coming off of a disappointing 2022-23 season.
By contrast, the Utah Jazz are a bit difficult to read. They could justify a number of different directions. They could be buyers, or they could be sellers. Here’s a deal that has them acquiring O.G. Anunoby from the Raptors.
The Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors Receive: G Collin Sexton, 2025 First-Round Pick (CLE via UTA), 2026 First-Round Pick (UTA), 2027 First-Round Pick (MIN via UTA)
Utah Jazz Receive: F OG Anunoby
With that said, there’s a team or two to watch every summer. Usually, the circumstances are the same. We’re talking about teams that have quality players but didn’t get their expected result in the season prior. These are the league’s sellers. They need a fresh start, and other teams will be happy to help them get it.
Last summer, the Jazz were that team. This team had Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert on their roster. Somehow, they lost in the first round of the playoffs anyway.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & Utah Jazz Updates
As a result, the Jazz traded both of their stars. They received a treasure trove of first-round picks in their wake. Yet, even after tearing their roster down, the Jazz were relatively competitive in 2022-23. Should they spend some draft capital on Anunoby?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
It’s hard to say. Frankly, it’s difficult to imagine what Utah will do. Their front office needs to evaluate their current roster. It’s deep, but arguably, it’s lacking a top-shelf offensive player. Do the Jazz think Lauri Markkanen can be that guy?
If not, they might pass on this deal. Utah may want to hang onto their draft capital until a true superstar becomes available. On the other hand, they may feel that they’re an elite 3-and-D wing away from winning an NBA title.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & Utah Jazz Updates
In that event, this is a good move. Anunoby is one of the best 3-and-D wings in the NBA. If the Jazz want to shift into win-now mode, this deal will help them win plenty of games. Should the Raptors make it?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
If the Raptors were on the fence about rebuilding, they should be committed to it now. Fred VanVleet is a Houston Rocket. Could the Raptors replace him? Sure. This team has tradeable contracts, and enough draft capital to land a player of VanVleet’s caliber. Only, they’d be emptying the cupboards to run back a team that didn’t make the playoffs.
That’s a bad decision. This is a good one. They’re landing a young replacement for VanVleet. Sexton is a much different player, but at times in his career, he’s looked like a star. Meanwhile, he’s still young enough to be part of a rebuild.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & Utah Jazz Updates
Still, that isn’t the main point here. The Raptors are doing this deal to receive three unprotected first-round picks. If they’ve got a higher price than this for Anunoby, they’re not looking to move him. In the meantime, all we can do is watch and wait.
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