In basketball, size matters. Sure, deploying small ball personnel has become more viable in the NBA. Size still counts. If you can’t create a size advantage at a given position, you’re likely to have problems.
Teams may not be as inclined to build around big men as they used to be. That doesn’t mean that they’ve given up on size. We see the value of size at the wing positions.
Teams love big wings with plus wingspans who can guard multiple positions. This has become a key ingredient in plenty of contending teams. The Oklahoma City Thunder have clearly prioritized size. They’ve got huge guards, and they’ve got Chet Holmgren.
With that said, they could use a plus-sized wing. As talented as Luguentz Dort is, he’s an undersized wing. Could the Thunder include him in a trade for OG Anunoby of the Toronto Raptors?
NBA Trade Proposal — Oklahoma City Thunder Land OG Anunoby
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F Luguentz Dort, G Tre Mann, 2024 First-Round Pick (LAC via OKC), 2027 First-Round Pick (Top 5 Protected – DEN via OKC)
Oklahoma City Thunder Rreceive: F OG Anunoby
The Raptors have prioritized size, too. They’ve made no exception at the wing positions. In fact, the Raptors have been trying to triple down on plus-sized wings and build around them. Where did they go wrong?
Well, the Raptors may have prioritized jumbo wings at the expense of other types of players. They’ve struggled to create in the halfcourt.
Prior to acquiring Jakob Poeltl at last year’s trade deadline, they were light on rim protection as well. Plus-sized wings are great, but a team needs a balanced roster in order to contend.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
In any event, the Raptors’ experiment looks as if it has officially failed. This team struggled last year, and in 2023-24, they’re struggling again. For that reason, a lot of people are expecting them to blow up their roster. Could they start by moving Anunoby?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
For a long time, Dort’s three-point shooting was another knock against him. This year, he’s been accurate from deep. The Raptors aren’t acquiring a wing here. They’re acquiring a guard. Dort could be their starting 2 of the future. After all, he’s only 23.
So, this deal gives them a clearer look at their future. Gradey Dick could be their long-term wing. If they move Pascal Siakam, they can commit to Scottie Barnes at the four.
This is starting to look like a balanced roster. With some rebuilding measures, the Raptors would only need to find a long-term point guard, and a long-term big man.
This deal gives them two cracks at finding those players. The Clippers’ pick this year is unlikely to land in the lottery, but it’s still a first-rounder.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Meanwhile, the Nuggets are unlikely to fall within the top 5 by 2027. In total, a quality player like Dort and a pair of first-round picks should be market value for Anunoby.
Should the Thunder give so much up for him?
Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Do The Deal
If the Thunder have reservations here, they’ll have to do with Anunoby’s upcoming contract extension., They shouldn’t worry. This team has the luxury of rostering several key players on rookie deals. Even their extensions won’t veer into supermax territory. The Thunder can afford Anunoby.
Meanwhile, acquiring him should take them to the next level. This is exactly the type of big wing that the Thunder are missing. Anuonby is one of the best defenders in the NBA.
Alongside Chet Holmgren, he could give the Thunder one of the league’s best defenses. At some point, the Thunder have to consolidate some assets. They’ve got too many picks to use.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
The team could hold out for a superstar, but at the same time, they may already have one, two or three of those. Adding an elite complementary player like Anunoby is a good use of their resources. If nothing else, he gives the Thunder some extra size.
