The Toronto Raptors are Canada’s only NBA team. At first, they were joined by the Vancouver Grizzlies. That didn’t last long. The Grizzlies moved to Memphis shortly. Meanwhile, the Raptors have remained up north.
It hasn’t always been easy for them. The Raptors have, at times, struggled to retain American talent. We can’t blame the players – everyone doesn’t want to move to a different country. Still, at times, this has proven to be a barrier for the Raptors.
As a result, this organization has often targeted international players. Why not go a step further and target Canadian players? Most of the league’s Canadians grew up fantasizing about playing for the Raptors. Did RJ Barrett of the New York Knicks? Could the Knicks flip him for O.G. Anunoby?
The Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors receive: G/F RJ Barrett, 2026 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2027 First-Round Pick (Swap – NYK)
New York Knicks receive: F O.G. Anunoby, F/C Thaddeus Young
Of course, the Raptors can’t exclusively target international players. Take a look around the NBA. If you haven’t noticed, most of its players are American. Meanwhile, plenty of American players won’t mind a trip up north. Toronto is a big, beautiful, bustling metropolis.
Moreover, every international player won’t pan out. The Raptors can’t afford to limit their own talent pool. Did they do so when they selected Andrea Bargnani with the number one pick in the 2006 draft? We’re not sure. Still, LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy were on the board. Did the Raptors prefer a player who didn’t have ties to America?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & New York Knicks Updates
We’re not sure. It’s possible that they simply thought Bargnani was the best player on the board. Either way, their logic was flawed. Would it be logical for them to acquire Barrett?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
The Raptors don’t do this deal simply because Barrett is Canadian. Still, it’s worth reiterating – this matters. Barrett likely wants to be a Raptor. Any NBA team wants to acquire players who want to play for them.
Still, the Raptors would have to see something in Barrett in order to make this deal. Should they? That depends on who you talk to. Barrett has absolutely flashed tremendous upside in his NBA career. On the other hand, he’s been wildly inconsistent. Is this a player that the Raptors should be taking a gamble on?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & New York Knicks Updates
We think so. Barrett has star potential – he’s younger than Anunoby, and has shown more playmaking ability. Of course, the Raptors are also landing a pair of unprotected first-rounders for giving up the best player in this deal. Should the Knicks give so much up for Anunoby?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
When the Knicks drafted Barrett, they likely hoped they were landing their future franchise player. By now, that isn’t looking likely. That’s fine. This offense is built around Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle. Last season, that was a recipe for success.
If the Knicks had rostered an elite 3-and-D wing, they may have been even more successful. That’s where Anunoby comes in. He’s one of the best 3-and-D wings in the NBA. This deal would make the Knicks an unequivocally better team next season.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & New York Knicks Updates
Does parting with Barrett sting? Sure. With that said, it’s worth the cost. If the Raptors make Anunoby available, the Knicks should pursue him – even if it means sending Barrett back up north.
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