A few days ago, it looked like the uncertainty surrounding Kevin Durant could have a negative impact on the Raptors at the trade deadline.
Now, it looks like Durant's situation could benefit the Raptors.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news in the early hours of Thursday morning that the Nets are trading Durant and TJ Warren to the Suns for Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, Jae Crowder, four unprotected first-round picks and a pick swap. He then added that Toronto's talks on O.G. Anunoby are "rolling into the final hours of the trade deadline" and his value could escalate among teams in the Western Conference.
Why? Because teams hoping to make it to the Finals now have a need for someone who can defend Durant.
Toronto's talks on forward O.G. Anunoby are rolling into the final hours of the trade deadline. The landing of Kevin Durant with the Suns could escalate Anunoby's value among Western Conference teams pursuing an elite forward to defend Durant.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 9, 2023
It's no secret that there's a lot of interest in Anunoby ahead of the trade deadline. Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported on Feb. 7 that the Pelicans, Grizzlies, Knicks, Pacers, Trail Blazers, Lakers, Suns and Nets had all been linked to Anunoby recently.
Separately, Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes said in his podcast with NBA insider Marc Stein that Memphis doesn't want New Orleans to get Anunoby, and New Orleans doesn't want Memphis to get him.
MORE: Which team can make Raptors best offer for O.G. Anunoby?
Anunoby is averaging 16.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.1 steals, 2.0 assists and 0.8 blocks through 45 games this season. While he's yet to earn an All-Defensive selection in his career, he's proven to be one of the best defenders in the NBA. Not only is he highly disruptive, but he has the size to defend multiple positions.
Teams have until 3:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 9 to make deals. Time's running out.
O.G. Anunoby contract details
Anunoby has a $19.9 million player option in his contract for the 2024-25 season, making him a potential unrestricted free agent in the 2024 offseason.
| 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 | |
| O.G. Anunoby's salary | $17,357,143 | $18,642,857 | $19,928,571 (PO) |
