Grade the Trade: Mavericks acquire two-way star in mock blockbuster

Grading the trade for the Toronto Raptors

It has been well-documented that the Raptors have been unwilling to give up Anunoby. It's even been reported that teams have offered as many as three first-round picks for Anunoby. And to make matters worse, the Raptors have seemingly prioritized Anunoby over two-time All-Star Pascal Siakam.

However, even with Toronto's unwillingness to even listen to offers for Anunoby, a choice must be made and it must be made soon. Anunoby is in the last year of his modest contract, earning $18 million per year.

The former Hoosier will likely decline his player option in 2024 and sign elsewhere. The Raptors have some good talent, but winning has not coincided, and they recently lost their second-best player after being outbid by the Houston Rockets.

A full rebuild may be in store sooner, rather than later in Toronto. Aside from former Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes and recently re-signed center Poeltl, the rest of the Raptors' core is likely headed toward free agency. Siakam, Gary Trent Jr., and Anunoby all have one season left on their current deals.

Over the last three seasons, the Raptors have compiled a 116-120 record, with one playoff appearance that ended in a first-round defeat.

The Raptors have talent, but no true identity. The team is flush with rangy wings. Although 6-foot-6 to 6-foot-9 two-way wings are the rage in the NBA today, a rim-running big man or distributing guard might do wonders to the Raptors offense.

ftrade Offloading Anunoby and Siakam may be smart to do now before both are goners in free agency. In this scenario, the Raptors would receive a talented young wing in Josh Green, a backup big in Richaun Holmes, and a few draft picks to pad the deal.

Potential starting lineup: Dennis Schroder, Gary Trent Jr., Scottie Barnes, Pascal Siakam, Jakob Poeltl

The Raptors receive a B- for this deal. If this trade were to happen, or any trade of Anunoby, then the Raptors would seemingly be prioritizing their future and acknowledging the potential departure of Anunoby.