O.G. Anunoby Says the Right Things, But Raptors Face Decision with Complicated Extension

The Toronto Raptors may not be able to extend O.G. Anunoby this summer, forcing the team into a difficult situation ahead of his potential free agency next year

You couldn’t fault O.G. Anunoby for wanting more from the Toronto Raptors.

For all the talk surrounding Anunoby’s offensive role coming into the season, nothing much changed for the 25-year-old forward. His shot attempts per game went down, his usage rate dropped, and his shot diet was virtually identical to his 2021-22 season. He was, by and large, the same player he’d always been despite the rumors — confirmed by head coach Nick Nurse over the summer — that he wanted more out of the offense.

But Anunoby never complained, at least not publicly.

Asked if he was happy with how his offensive role felt this year, Anunoby was complimentary of his teammates.

“Yeah, I think so,” he said. “I think we have a lot of good players. So that's how it is. … Everyone just tries their best to be involved and I think we did a good job of doing that.”

But figuring out how Anunoby truly feels about his offensive role and place in the Raptors’ hierarchy is going to be crucial for Toronto this summer.

Anunoby is eligible for a contract extension this summer capped at four years, $116.9 million. While the NBA did increase the veteran extension rules in the new collective bargaining agreement from a maximum of 120% of a player’s current salary to 140%, allowing Anunoby to earn $26.1 million in the first year of his new contract, it’s unclear if that’s going to be enough to get a deal done.

Toronto has yet to discuss an extension with Anunoby, he said, which makes sense because the new CBA rules are yet to come into effect.

“I’ll definitely talk to them,” Anunoby said of extension discussions. “I love Toronto. I love my teammates, love the staff. So yeah, definitely comfortable.”

But the numbers might not add up. Tyler Herro, for example, the offensive and defensive inverse of Anunoby, signed an extension for four years, $120 million this past summer. Jordan Poole, similarly, signed a four-year, $128 million extension. While those players are certainly very different from Anunoby in terms of play style, their value may be similar and the rising cap in the next few seasons should have Anunoby looking at an even bigger deal.

Therein lies the problem for Toronto. The Raptors’ inability to go over the $116.9 million number means Anunoby may be forced into unrestricted free agency next summer. Considering his age, talent, and fit with virtually every team in the league, there’s going to be no shortage of teams looking to add Anunoby. Yes, Toronto can offer him more years than anyone else and go above the cap to re-sign him, but unless he’s getting a max offer, that likely won’t impact Anunoby’s negotiations.

So, what is the truth?

If Anunoby truly was dissatisfied with his role last summer, it’s unlikely that changed this year, and getting him to ink an extension in Toronto may prove difficult. If he doesn’t, the Raptors may find themselves in a bind, facing the real risk of losing one of the team’s most valuable assets at this time next year.

Further Reading

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Raptors locked into 13th spot in draft lottery with 1% chance at top selection

Gary Trent Jr. has big goals that Raptors may not be able to fit as free agency looms