NBA Trade Idea: Dallas Mavs Go All-In for Toronto Raptors' O.G. Anunoby
While the Dallas Mavericks are in better position to make the playoffs this season, it might be a stretch to put them in the same category as the defending-champion Denver Nuggets as true Western Conference Contenders.
Despite having made several key roster moves over the last five months, the Mavs still might be one move away from crossing that threshold. In a recent article by Bleacher Report, a hypothetical trade sends Toronto Raptors' forward O.G. Anunoby to Dallas to elevate the Mavs into title contention.
The Trade: Dallas Mavericks Receive: O.G. Anunoby. Toronto Raptors Receive: Josh Green, Jaden Hardy, Richaun Holmes, 2027 first-round pick (unprotected)
"Anunoby would be the perfect piece to elevate the Mavs back into a playoff lock, one of the NBA's premier defenders who would complement the offensive brilliance of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving," Bleacher Report writes.
Averaging 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, the forward also led the NBA with 1.9 steals per game while shooting 38.7 percent from three for the struggling Raptors last season. His efforts would be much more effective with a team like the Mavericks. The playmaking of both of Dallas' star guards in Doncic and Irving would give Anunoby vast amounts of open catch-and-shoot opportunities from deep.
On the other hand, the loss of Jaden Hardy and Josh Green hurts the Mavs in that they'd be giving up two promising young players for one. However, Anunoby is just now in his prime at 26 years old and still has room to grow despite having six years of experience.
Anunoby would give an immediate boost to the Mavs' title chances, but are they willing to give up two of their most important young pieces on team-friendly contracts to make it happen? While this deal is surely plausible, it raises many questions as to what the Dallas front office values more going forward.
