Do you have an idea for a hypothetical NBA trade? Don’t we all? Yet, for us to publish a trade, we’ve got to think it’s realistic. With that said, if it involves the Oklahoma City Thunder, it’s probably viable.
After all, they have the most draft capital an NBA team has ever assembled. That’s no exaggeration. If the Thunder want a player, they can have him. This team has a nearly endless pool of assets.
What type of player should they covet? Well, the Thunder could use an elite defensive wing above all else. It just so happens that one of the best 3-and-D wings in the NBA may be on the trade block.
Could the Thunder trade for OG Anunoby of the Toronto Raptors?
NBA Trade Proposal: Oklahoma City Thunder Land Toronto Raptors’ OG Anunoby
Toronto Raptors Receive: F Davis Bertans, F/C Aleksej Pokusevski, 2024 First-Round Pick (LAC via OKC), 2025 First-Round Pick (Top 6 Protected – PHI via OKC), 2027 First-Round Pick (OKC)
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: F OG Anunoby
If you do have an idea for a hypothetical NBA trade, there’s a decent chance that it involves the Raptors. After all, they’re widely expected to make some moves this season. Why wouldn’t they?
The Raptors are a perfect candidate to make a move or two. This team feels stuck in perpetual mediocrity. They also have a young, emerging star.
With Scottie Barnes playing so well in 2023-24, the path forward here seems obvious. It’s time for the Raptors to rebuild.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
The entire NBA knows it. The Raptors are a fixture in trade rumors. So, we’ve got another hypothetical trade featuring the Raptors.
Does it benefit them?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
We think so. Arguably, the Raptors aren’t getting much outside of draft capital here. On the other hand, some Pokusevski fans will take issue with that statement.
They’ll argue that the Raptors are getting a young player with star potential. Time will tell. Pokusevki is intriguing. His combination of height, ball-handling, and playmaking is certainly unique.
His slight frame and limited athleticism have proven problematic during his time in the league so far. It doesn’t matter.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
The Raptors are landing two unprotected firsts and a third pick that’s very likely to convey here. That’s a fair return for a player of Anunoby’s caliber no matter what happens with Pokusevki.
Should the Thunder part with their young project player?
Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Do The Deal
Sure. Let’s say Pokusevki does become a star. The Thunder may have to move him in time anyway. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams will likely be this team’s core moving forward.
They may not have any on-ball reps left between those three. Luckily, Anunoby doesn’t need the ball to impact the game. He’s arguably the best 3-and-D wing in the NBA.
Anunoby is a perfect fit with this roster. Realistically, he’s a perfect fit for any roster that’s looking to win games. That’s why his price is steep.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
At the same time, the Thunder will eventually need to consolidate some assets – why not spend them on a player at a position of need? If Anunoby is available, the Thunder should make this hypothetical a reality.
