10 players the Mavericks may replace Kyrie Irving with by the trade deadline

6. OG Anunoby

Another player that the Toronto Raptors could end up moving at the trade deadline if things go south is guard OG Anunoby.

Anunoby has turned into a rising star over the last few years, and his potential fit on the Dallas Mavericks next to Luka Doncic is undeniable.

Last season for Toronto, Anunoby averaged 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.9 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game. Anunoby is an NBA Champion, a one-time Steals Champion, and a one-time member of the NBA's All-Defensive Second Team.

Anunoby has solidified himself as one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, and Dallas could end up going all in at the trade deadline for him.

Although Toronto likely wouldn't want to take on Irving's contract in this deal, Dallas has plenty of assets to make them consider it. Dallas could throw in a combination of Jaden Hardy, Josh Green, and the 2027 first-round pick to get them to move Anunoby.

Losing Irving would hurt Dallas, as Doncic wouldn't have a true co-star, but winning without a solidified co-star could be the winning formula for Dallas. Doncic commands the ball so much that players who impact the game off the ball and defensively could be the recipe for Doncic and Dallas to win a title.

If Doncic has elite role players alongside him, anything is possible. Doncic had Jalen Brunson during the 2022 NBA Playoffs, but he wasn't the same player that he is today.

Doncic took that Dallas teams to new heights that season without a co-star, and we could see a similar result if Dallas decides to change the strategy in which they build around Luka.