OG Anunoby would be worth “a Donovan Mitchell package” according to an NBA insider

With the Raptors on the brink of extinction right now with six straight losses (overall record of 13 wins – 18 losses), some are wondering if the Canadian franchise boss – Masai Ujiri – is not to think of a way to refourguer its best players in order to leave in a reconstruction operation. Among these players is OG Anunoby, whose rating has arguably never been higher in the NBA.

18.7 points average, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.4 steals, all at 47.4% shooting (33.6% from 3-pointers) and 82.1% in free throws .

Here are OG Anunoby’s stats this season. These are simply his career best numbers in scoring, rebounds and steals. Figures that reflect the impact of the 25-year-old winger, renowned for his great defensive qualities but real two-way today. And a two-way player of this age, about to enter his best years under a super affordable contract (17.3 million salary this season, under contract until 2024 with a player option on 2024-25) , inevitably it may interest many, many, many people in the League.

“Everyone wants OG Anunoby in the NBA. If he ever gets traded, the price and draft picks will surprise a lot of people because it will be on par, or almost, with the package dropped by the Cavaliers to get Donovan Mitchell.”

– NBA insider Zach Lowe (ESPN)

A Donovan Mitchell package, just that?!

Just as a reminder, the Cleveland franchise dropped Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, rookie Ochai Agbaji (14th draft 2022 pick), three first-round draft picks and two swap picks to Jazz to get Spida. In other words, we are on a large package sent by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt. At the same time, with Donovan, we are talking about a three-time All-Star averaging almost 25 career points, and one of the most explosive backs on the NBA circuit.

OG Anunoby holds no such status in the Big League today. But he ticks so many boxes – good contract, very good two-way player, able to shine in a collective, in the prime of life – that his rating is skyrocketing right now in the NBA. He can represent both a player who can help a contender achieve his ambitions, or a central piece in a team that has already begun a real process of reconstruction. For all these reasons, the franchise that wants to attach the services of OG will have to drop heavy in exchange.

But in the end, the question we are currently asking is the one mentioned at the very beginning of the article: can Masai Ujiri destroy everything in Toronto to start on new bases around Scottie Barnes and potentially a top choice in the Draft 2023 (hello Victor)? For the moment, we are not there and Anunoby remains an important element for the Toronto franchise. However, it is a scenario that cannot be ruled out.

And if this scenario happens, many will tear off OG.

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Text source: The Lowe Post