Sixteen years. That’s how long the Sacramento Kings missed the NBA playoffs. This team has plenty of fans for whom 2022-23 was a first. Specifically, it was the first time that they got to watch their favorite team in the NBA playoffs.
Yet, it happened. The Kings had a fantastic season last year. They rode the best offense in the NBA all the way into the postseason. Sure, the Kings lost in the first round to the Golden State Warriors. That’s fine – the Warriors are on the backend of a dynasty. By contrast, the Kings simply needed to find a way into the playoffs last season.
Last season. This year, the Kings need to make progress. A mere playoff berth won’t satisfy their fans – the Kings need to win a series or two. If they’re going to do so, they could use a boost to their defense. Could they acquire O.G. Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors in order to do just that?
The Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors Receive: F Harrison Barnes, G Davion Mitchell, 2026 First-Round Pick (SAC), 2028 First-Round Pick (SAC)
Sacramento Kings Receive: F OG Anunoby
Four years. That’s how long it’s been since the Toronto Raptors won an NBA championship. How did we get here already? Why are so many of the Raptors’ key players during that title run presumed to be on the trade block?
Well, the Raptors have declined rapidly since. Last year, they missed the playoffs altogether. More broadly, there are logical reasons to question the on-paper fit of this roster. The Raptors are stacked with two-way wings – that’s good. Unfortunately, most of them struggle to create in the half-court. This roster is due for some changes – whether they’re more major or minor in nature.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & Sacramento Kings Updates
Should they be more minor? Are the constant calls to trade Pascal Siakam and/or Anunoby an overreaction? You could make that case. At the same time, the Raptors want to avoid an extended duration of mediocrity (or worse) like the Kings suffered. Would this deal help them avoid that fate?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
The Raptors have another problem. They keep losing starting point guards without receiving any compensation in return. First, it was Kyle Lowry. This summer, Fred VanVleet left for the Houston Rockets in free agency.
Part of the idea here is to replace him. Actually, Mitchell profiles as a similar player to VanVleet. He’s an undersized point guard who makes up for his diminutive stature with grit and determination. They’re both strong point-of-attack defenders with some shot creation and playmaking at their disposal. The difference is that Mitchell is young enough to be part of a rebuild.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & Sacramento Kings Updates
That’s what the Raptors would be conceding here – that it was time to rebuild. Anunoby isn’t old, but if the Raptors start over, they’d be better off with the draft capital they’re receiving here. Should the Kings send it to them?
Why The Sacramento Kings Do The Deal
When the Kings traded Tyrese Haliburton for Domantas Sabonis, they made a decision. This team was no longer thinking about the future. The Kings were committed to the here and now. With that in mind, they shouldn’t be concerned with their future draft capital.
With that in mind, this is a no-brainer for Sacramento. Anunoby will make them a much better team. He’s one of the very best defensive wings in the NBA. Anunoby won’t do anything to hurt their offense, either. He’s a strong floor spacer and a good cutter.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & Sacramento Kings Updates
Does losing Mitchell sting? A little. At the same time, the Kings can replace him in free agency and still make this a net positive. After all, Anunoby would be replacing Barnes directly. All told, this is a good win-now trade for a Kings team that’s finally winning.
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