Raptors fans should pump the brakes on OG Anunoby reunion fantasies

"How would Toronto even end up in a situation where they have the opportunity to get Anunoby back in the first place, you ask? Well, let's think of scenarios wherein Antetokounmpo ends up with what has been reported as his preferred destination: The Knicks. If that were to happen, New York would have to shed salary to make a deal work, and there's a chance the Raptors could end up being a third team to help facilitate a trade."

"If that were the case, there's certainly a world in which Anunoby's large contract is moved, and he ends up back with his former team across the border. That would certainly be a euphoric moment for Raptors fans. He was the last member of the 2019 championship team left when he was dealt away at the end of the calendar year in 2023. Getting him back in town would certainly increase the vibes around this team that much more."

"But with that being said, his paystub is unfortunately the real deal-breaker here. OG will still be under contract for two more seasons after the current campaign, and he's set to earn north of $87 million. That's a massive consideration to make in any trade. And when you remember that Masai Ujiri didn't want to pay Anunoby in the first place and that was why he opted to trade him, it feels like even less of a chance that the Raptors make this kind of nostalgic move."

Scenarios involving Giannis Antetokounmpo favoring the Knicks could force New York to shed salary and involve the Toronto Raptors as a third team to facilitate a deal. Such facilitation could allow OG Anunoby's large contract to be moved back to Toronto, reuniting him with the franchise and energizing fans as the last member of the 2019 championship group. On-court fit would be strong alongside Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley, providing floor spacing and high-level defense. The primary obstacle is Anunoby's contract: two seasons remaining and more than $87 million owed, a financial burden that previously motivated his trade.

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