Raptors' O.G. Anunoby Not Traded at Deadline After Rumors of Knicks, More Interest

Despite reports of substantial interest from around the NBA, the Toronto Raptors did not trade coveted wing O.G. Anunoby before Thursday's deadline passed.

Toronto's decision not to part ways with Anunoby comes as no surprise. ESPN's Zach Lowe said during his podcast on Dec. 20 that "the entire league wants" Anunoby, but he noted that the Raptors had a substantial asking price for him.

"If he ever gets traded, the price and picks are going to surprise people because it might be on par almost with what the [Cleveland Cavaliers] gave up for Donovan Mitchell," Lowe stated.

Matt Moore of Action Network added Jan. 5 that while Toronto was active in trade discussions, "asking prices have been described as 'insane,' 'astronomical' and 'far-fetched.'"

Now in his sixth NBA season, the 25-year-old has steadily improved each year. In 45 games this season, he's averaging 16.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.1 steals per game, which ranks second in the league. He's been sidelined since Jan. 27 because of a wrist injury.

He averaged 17.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.5 steals in 36.0 minutes per game last season, but he was limited to just 48 games while dealing with a fractured finger.

The Indiana product was a member of Toronto's 2019 championship team, though he was sidelined for the NBA Finals after an emergency appendectomy that April. He is the first player born in Great Britain to win an NBA title. He signed a four-year, $72 million extension with the Raptors in December 2020 that keeps him under contract through 2024-25.

By holding on to Anunoby, Toronto (26-30, 10th place in the Eastern Conference) is retaining a promising young wing. His two-way production and potential for continued growth give the Raptors a key foundational piece for this season and beyond.