In the NBA, negotiations between teams are ongoing. General managers are always working the phones. At times, they may reexplore a possibility they’d previously explored. It’s possible that a new turn of events could change their thinking on a possibility.
Take the Indiana Pacers. This team has been linked to a lot of forwards throughout the summer. To be sure, the Pacers could stand to upgrade that part of their rotation. Recently, circumstances around this team have changed. It’s being widely reported that they could look to shop Buddy Hield.
That makes sense. Hield is due for a contract extension this summer. The Pacers don’t seem intent on giving it to him. With that in mind, his contract could be useful in matching salaries in a trade for several good forwards. How about OG Anunoby of the Toronto Raptors?
The Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F Buddy Hield, 2024 First-Round Pick (IND), 2026 First-Round Pick (IND)
Indiana Pacers Receive: F OG Anunoby
This is not the first time that this arrangement has been suggested. Anunoby has been a popular trade target around the NBA for over a year. With that said the Raptors are allegedly difficult to deal with. It’s been suggested that they’d seek multiple first-round picks in exchange for Anunoby.
Is that realistic? Recent NBA transactions suggest otherwise. The league’s market may be resetting. Last summer, teams were sending out unprotected first-rounders like they were pennies. Now, teams are clutching them like 100 dollar bills. Arguably, the Raptors should have traded Anunoby already.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & Indiana Pacers Updates
They didn’t. Meanwhile, he’s due for his own contract extension soon. The Raptors invested the fourth overall pick in Scottie Barnes, and Pascal Siakam is their best player. This team may not be able to justify awarding Anunoby the type of deal that he’ll command on the open market. Should they move him now?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
Technically, the Raptors are getting multiple first-round picks here. Still, they were probably thinking three or four – not two. That’s probably optimistic in the NBA’s current market. The Portland Trail Blazers just netted two first-round picks for Jrue Holiday. Granted, they also got Robert Williams III, but given his injury history, we’re not sure how high his trade value even was.
Meanwhile, Holiday is a proven offensive initiator and one of the best defensive players in the game. By contrast, Anunoby hasn’t established much offensive value in half-court sets outside of spacing the floor. As talented and valuable as he is, this is likely his market value.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & Indiana Pacers Updates
Besides, acquiring Hield has its benefits. The Raptors needed shooting last year, and Hield is one of the league’s best shooters. Moreover, if Toronto is considering hitting the reset button, they should be happy to land his expiring contract. Should the Pacers give it up?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
Some Pacers fans will protest this deal. This club is rebuilding – why are they giving up draft capital? Shouldn’t they stay the course? Won’t Anunoby take minutes and touches away from their young core?
Sure. On the other hand, Anunoby is not an elder statesman. He’s young enough to grow with this core. Moreover, the Pacers typically resist the urge to tank. This small market team would typically prefer to stay competitive. If they will remain consistent in that regard, this deal makes sense. Anunoby would make them a much better team.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors & Indiana Pacers Updates
He shouldn’t hurt their young core, either. Anunoby is among the best 3-and-D wings in the NBA. This is a completely portable player that can fit into any system. The Pacers should be interested in him. Now, they need to negotiate the right deal.
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