Around the NBA, rival GMs are watching the Toronto Raptors. This team is expected to make a move. Well, by most. There is some speculation that the Raptors don’t feel any urgency to make a move.
For a long time, they were widely expected to be shopping Pascal Siakam. Recently, those rumors have died out. One team that was frequently linked to Siakam was the Indiana Pacers.
With that said, it’s possible that the Raptors’ asking price for Siakam was simply too high. Could they be shopping OG Anunoby as well? If so, here’s a deal that sends him to the Pacers.
The Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F Buddy Hield, F/C Jalen Smith, 2026 First-Round Pick (IND), 2028 First-Round Pick (IND)
Indiana Pacers Receive: F OG Anunoby
Of course, there’s a reason the Raptors are expected to make a trade. The 2022-23 season was a disappointing one for this organization.
Should the Pacers have been satisfied with their season? Why? There’s a difference in how these teams are perceived. What does it owe to? Sure, the Pacers are built around the young Tyrese Haliburton – but Scottie Barnes is a high-usage player on the Raptors, too. Why are the Pacers seen as buyers, while the Raptors are seen as sellers?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Indiana Pacers & Toronto Raptors Updates
Could it owe to the history of each organization? The Pacers have historically been content with just being competitive. By contrast, the Raptors aren’t far removed from a championship. Perhaps they’ve got a higher standard. Does this deal help them meet it?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
Not in the short term. Obviously, that’s not the point for the Raptors. They’re doing this deal with the future in mind.
With that said Hield is a great addition to this group. The Raptors struggled in the halfcourt last season, and their poor spacing was to blame. Hield is one of the best movement shooters in the NBA. If the Raptors added him along with rookie Grade Dick this summer, their spacing would improve.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Indiana Pacers & Toronto Raptors Updates
Of course, it would come at the expense of their defense. Anunoby is one of the best 3-and-D wings in the NBA. That’s why the Raptors are getting two unprotected first-round picks here. Throw in an intriguing young player like Smith, and this deal could entice the Raptors to move on from Anunoby. Should the Pacers target him?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
Put expectations aside. The Pacers were fairly competitive in 2022-23. This team could be a piece away from fringe title contention. Meanwhile, Anunoby could be that piece.
After all, he’s one of the best 3-and-D wings in the NBA. Moreover, the Pacers have a vacancy at the 3. Benedict Mathurin flashed plenty of potential as a rookie last year, but he’s prone to inefficiency. In all likelihood, he’d be better served as a sixth man on a win-now team.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Indiana Pacers & Toronto Raptors Updates
That’s exactly what Indiana will be if they make this move. Haliburton will remain their offensive engine, and Myles Turner will be their defensive anchor. With that in mind, Anunoby would be their most complete two-way player. Make no mistake: the Pacers surely have an eye on the Raptors this summer.
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