In theory, an NBA general manager’s job is simple. They’re supposed to put the best roster together that they can. In practice, it’s a little more complicated than that. An NBA team needs to assess their situation. If their roster is good but it isn’t good enough, they may need to make some trades.
After all, they don’t want to commit big money to a mediocre team. So, when a team has some key players with extensions coming up, they’ve got to make decisions.
They need to ask themselves whether this roster is worth committing to. That’s a question that the Toronto Raptors need to be asking themselves at the moment.
Pascal Siakam is due for an extension soon. So is OG Anunoby, and so is Gary Trent Jr. If the Raptors don’t start winning some games soon, they’ll have to consider trading some of these players.
Could they start by sending Anunoby to the Miami Heat?
NBA Trade Proposal — Miami Heat Land OG Anunoby
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F Duncan Robinson, 2027 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2029 First-Round Pick (MIA)
Miami Heat Receive: F OG Anunoby
In other words, a mediocre team may want to rebuild. It’s that simple. At the same time, that isn’t always the best course of action. Sometimes, a team can over-perform. Some GMs would prefer to stay the course and bet on their guys to exceed expectations.
Look at the Heat. Last year, this team was in the play-in tournament. Some would have said that they were in the worst position an NBA team could find themselves in. The Heat looked stuck in the middle. In the end, they’d advance to the NBA Finals.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat Updates
Of course, there’s an exception to every rule. Most play-in teams will flame out in the first round if they’re lucky. That’s fine for a young team, but for a veteran squad, it’s a disappointing outcome.
Should the Raptors avoid that type of mediocrity?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
Not yet. The Raptors should hold out. They’ve got up to the deadline to figure this thing out. The Raptors hired a new coach this summer. Who knows what type of difference that could make?
Let’s imagine that it’s not enough. If the Raptors are floundering leading up to the deadline, they may want to make some changes. Meanwhile, if this team turns to the future, they’ll want draft capital. So, they should trade those players for as much of it as possible.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat Updates
Two unprotected firsts ought to be enough for a player nearing his extension like Anunoby. That’s what the Raptors are getting here. If they’re rebuilding, they shouldn’t mind taking on Robinson’s contract, either.
Should the Heat give those picks up for Anunoby?
Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
The Heat were a surprising Finalist for a reason. This team was lacking in point guard play and frontcourt depth. This deal solves one of those problems. Anunoby is one of the best forwards that’s likely to be in their price range on the trade market this season.
He’s not a dynamic offensive creator, but he provides just about everything else. Anunoby is arguably the best wing defender in the league. He’s also a reliable floor spacer. He’d make this Heat team much better, and as a win-now team, that’s all that matters.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat Updates
Sure, they still need point guard depth. The Heat may be able to land a ring-chasing veteran on a minimum deal in the buyout market. Either way, Anunoby will improve their defensive flexibility, and that’s important too. In this case, the Heat really would have a simple decision.
