One NBA writer proposes that the Dallas Mavericks acquire OG Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors in a blockbuster deal. Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report suggested the following trade idea between the Mavericks and Raptors:
Dallas Mavericks Receive: OG Anunoby
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F Josh Green, G Jaden Hardy, C Richaun Holmes, 2027 first-round pick (unprotected)
The Mavericks would be taking a big trade swing here to acquire an upgrade on the wing in Anunoby. The team has three confirmed starters ahead of opening night: Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Grant Williams. Rookie Dereck Lively II will likely start at the five, but there are more questions than answers on the wing.
Josh Green will be a restricted free agent next summer if he cannot agree on a contract extension before his Oct. 23 deadline. He has been unable to solidify himself as a starter, making it increasingly justified to seek a trade upgrade on the wing to find that answer.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks Updates
The Mavericks finished last season ranking 25th in defensive rating, with a lack of perimeter size being a significant factor in the team’s lack of results. Anunoby is a prototypical perimeter defender who can guard multiple positions at a high level. If Lively were to develop promptly, Dallas would suddenly have an imposing defense around Doncic and Irving.
Anunoby averaged 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists last season for the Raptors while shooting 47.6% from the field, 38.7% from beyond the arc, and 83.8% from the free-throw line. Toronto drafted Anunoby with the 23rd overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Anunoby signed a four-year, $72 million rookie contract extension in December 2020 and is eligible to sign a four-year, $116 million extension with the Raptors. The swingman has career NBA averages of 11.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists. In six games, he won the 2019 championship with the Raptors over the Golden State Warriors.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, Anunoby is looking for greater ball-handling opportunities that can result in a commensurate salary increase.
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