Toronto Raptors 3-And-D Player Garners Interest, Knicks Among Those In Pursuit

The Toronto Raptors are not having the best NBA season at the moment and it comes as no surprise that some of their players have been mentioned in trade scenarios.

The latest one to be mentioned is O.G. Anunoby, a 3-and-D player that has reportedly generated interest from multiple teams in the league. ESPN Insider Zach Lowe claims that the entire league wants the 25-year-old small forward.

However, the scribe added that in the event the British cager would be traded, the price and picks required to get a deal done may come as a shock. He adds that any deal involving Anunoby could be at par with that of Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers – apparently referring to the Cavs and Utah Jazz deal.

So far this season, the 6-foot-7 cager is averaging 18.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 36.8 minutes of action in 27 games. These are career-best numbers for Anunoby since he entered the league in 2017.

He also leads the NBA in steals this season, norming 2.4 per game. His defense is noticeable, proof of which was his efforts in shackling stars such as Kevin Durant, Jimmy Butler and Mitchell.

In all, Anunoby is someone who can hit it from outside. He owns a 53.9% clip from the field and 33.6% from beyond the arc.

Although the interest in him is not surprising, the question is whether the Raptors would be open to dealing him away. At 25 years old it would be hard to see head coach Nick Nurse agreeing to a deal unless the return is massive.

Regardless, one team allegedly interested in the 23rd pick of the 2017 NBA Draft is the New York Knicks.

According to Ian Begley of SNY.tv, the Knicks front office contacted the Raptors about Anunoby – a move that could also shake up New York’s roster.

But given that the Knicks are streaking right now, a deal is not expected to be imminent. That could all change by the NBA trade deadline in February though.