NBA Rumors: OG Anunoby Would Be 'Best Available Player' at Trade Deadline, Exec Says

The Toronto Raptors are still weighing whether to make any big moves before the Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline, but one Eastern Conference executive believes they have the most coveted player on the market.

Ric Bucher of Fox Sports reports that swingman OG Anunoby likely "would inspire the fiercest trade-deadline bidding war" because of his high ceiling.

"A versatile young player in his prime?" an Eastern Conference general manager told Bucher. "One thousand percent he would be the best available player at the deadline."

Anunoby is in the midst of a strong campaign, averaging 16.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and a league-leading 2.1 steals across 45 games this year. He is signed through the 2023-24 season at a reasonable price, which makes him an attractive trade piece.

"OG would be a substantial prize," a Western Conference scout told Bucher. "Three-and-D player with size, who rebounds. Reasonable contract."

In addition to Anunoby, the Raptors are also facing decisions on point guard Fred VanVleet and shooting guard Gary Trent Jr., as both of them can opt out of their contracts to become unrestricted free agents this summer.

At 22-28, Toronto sits in 12th place in the Eastern Conference and could look to blow up its roster to start building for the future. However, the team's hesitance to pull the trigger on any deals so far has caused a holdup in trade negotiations across the league.

"Toronto is the No. 1 domino in all of this. They have three potential pieces that would draw interest," the Eastern Conference GM told Bucher. "If they come through this next stretch unscathed, maybe they stay with what they have. But if they get crushed over the next seven or eight days, [team president] Masai [Ujiri] could decide to make some changes."

The Raptors are in the midst of a seven-game Western Conference road trip, which started with a win over the Sacramento Kings and a loss to the Golden State Warriors. Toronto will return to action on Saturday against the Portland Trail Blazers (23-25).