In the aftermath of acquiring Jerami Grant from the Detroit Pistons, the Portland Trail Blazers may be on the verge of another earth-shattering move.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Raptors wing OG Anunoby is the new target for Portland, who plans to dangle the no. 7 pick in trade talks.
Portland Trail Blazers are in pursuit of Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby with the No. 7 pick in Thursday’s draft in play, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.
Portland Trail Blazers are in pursuit of Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby with the No. 7 pick in Thursday’s draft in play, league sources tell @YahooSports.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 22, 2022
The first question fans and experts are asking is why the Raptors would trade OG in the first place. The guy has star potential and is an easy fit into any system or roster.
The real problem for the Raptors is their relationship with OG, which has apparently taken a turn for the worst.
Following a standout season from Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes, word has circulated among rival front offices that Anunoby grew dissatisfied at times with his role in Toronto, where Barnes joined Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet as the primary ball-handlers in Nick Nurse’s offense. Two sources with knowledge of the dynamic told B/R that Anunoby has not directly expressed discontent with his situation with the Raptors. Perhaps the conversation around him has been driven more by external interest in acquiring the fifth-year forward’s services.
If Anunoby becomes available this offseason, expect a long list of interested suitors. Anunoby, 24, is a proven blue-chip prospect who already has deep postseason experience. He’s also playing under a value contract, not even halfway through the four-year, $72 million extension he signed in 2020 (with a player option in 2024-25).
So, with Anunoby’s future in Toronto under doubt, it leaves the door open for Portland to make a move and take their shot at landing the two-way star.
In the end, adding Anunoby to a roster with Damian Lillard, Jusuf Nurkic, and Jerami Grant could be all the Blazers need to contend for a title. Either way, we will find out before too long.
