NBA trade rumors: New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns among teams to watch for OG Anunoby
The Toronto Raptors are perhaps the most interesting team to watch ahead of the Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline. They’re 12th in the Eastern Conference at 23-29, a full game behind the Pacers for the final qualifying tournament spot. They are percentage points behind the Bulls, who have two games in hand, for 11th.
Their disappointing season could blow up the Raptors, with forward OG Anunoby perhaps their best selling asset. If he does become available, he will have a long list of suitors.
Shams Charania of The Athletic joined FanDuel TV on Wednesday and reported that the Suns, Knicks, Pelicans and Pacers are all teams that could make a move for Anunoby.
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Sportsnet’s Michael Grange added that it’s “widely believed” the Knicks could offer three future first-round picks for Anunoby. New York is sitting on several future first-round picks as a result of trades, including those of Kristaps Porzingis and Ousmane Dieng.
Anunoby is averaging 16.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.1 steals. He’s shooting 45.7 percent from the field and 36.6 percent from 3-pointers on 5.2 attempts from deep per game. But Anunoby will miss at least the next four games after injuring his wrist Friday in a loss at Golden State.
The Knicks have been one of the best surprises in the NBA this season. They’re seventh in the East at 27-25, two games behind the Heat for the sixth seed and, more importantly, a guaranteed playoff spot. They didn’t land Donovan Mitchell in the offseason, but got an All-Star level game from big signing Jalen Brunson, who is averaging 22.8 points and 6.2 assists.
Gary Trent Jr.’s price revealed
In addition to Anunoby, guard Gary Trent Jr. is another name that could be dealt with from Toronto ahead of the trade deadline.
Grange reported that Trent’s value is “one first-round protected or two good second-round picks,” plus a salary to match. Trent has a cap of around $17.5 million and a player option next season with a cap of nearly $18.8 million.
This season, Trent is averaging a career-high 18.6 points and shooting 36.7 percent on three of 7.3 attempts per game.
Atlanta Hawks adjust asking price on John Collins
Another name that has been touted as a potential player to watch ahead of the trade deadline is Hawks forward John Collins. The Hawks are eighth in the East at 25-26 and Collins is having his worst offensive season since his rookie year.
Sam Amick of The Athletic reported Wednesday that the Hawks have lowered their asking price and are more looking to get a quality player or players for Collins and not necessarily a first-round pick.
The Hawks have struggled to find a new home for Collins due to his contract, which is two years old and one player option remaining totaling approximately $78.5 million.
This season, Collins is averaging 13.5 points, the fewest since his rookie season, and is posting a career low of 51.3 percent from the field and 25.9 percent on three.
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