(Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
Right now, NBA free agency is completely changing the landscape of the league and moving players around from city to city.
For the moment, it seems like OG Anunoby is remaining with his Toronto Raptors.
But how much longer will the small forward be with the team?
According to Jake Fischer, via NBACentral, Anunoby wants a much bigger role with the team’s offense and ball-handling and might head for another squad if he doesn’t get it.
Here is Fischer’s quote from his recent piece for Yahoo Sports:
“Anunoby told representatives during meetings with prospective agents, according to people familiar with the situation, that he was searching for greater ball-handling and playmaking duties in advance of his upcoming contract talks.”
OG Anunoby is seeking a bigger role on offense and wants to handle the ball more, per @JakeLFischer
“Anunoby told representatives during meetings with prospective agents, according to people familiar with the situation, that he was searching for greater ball-handling and… pic.twitter.com/7u3eudUbNv
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) July 1, 2023
Fischer noted that Anuonby could request a trade from the Raptors if he doesn’t see the sort of change he wants with new head coach Darko Rajaković.
Anunoby’s contract includes a player option before the 2024-25 season, which means this could be his last run with the Raptors if he isn’t happy.
Of course, he could demand a trade before that if his role isn’t enhanced as he wishes.
But Fischer also noted that Toronto and Anunoby aren’t completely on the same page about what he is worth and what other teams should offer in place of him.
In short, the departure of Anunoby could be a huge, complicated mess.
Is that departure more or less likely after the Raptors lost Fred VanVleet on Friday night?
Some fans are wondering if Toronto will begin to trade away players and start a rebuild or stick with the now-diminished squad they have.
In his last season, Anunoby averaged 16.8 points and 5 rebounds while shooting 47.6% from the field.
Those are impressive numbers for the 25-year-old star but he clearly wants to do even more in the weeks and months ahead.
With VanVleet on the move – and possibly other changes looming – he might just get his wish.
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