Golden State Warriors pay ridiculous overs in proposed Raptors trade

The Golden State Warriors worsening regular season record is heightening the chances of a rare mid-season trade, but they’re not yet (or ever) in the stage of making senseless deals simply for the sake of it.

That’s exactly what happens in a new proposed trade where they give up two talented future assets, and additional picks, for Toronto Raptors wing OG Anunoby.

The Golden State Warriors would have interest in Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby, but not for the kind of price being suggested.

According to NBA Analysis Network’s James Piercey, the Warriors should consider trading James Wiseman and Jonathan Kuminga, along with 2026 and 2028 first-round picks, for the 25-year-old Anunoby.

"“Andrew Wiggins already does much of what Anunoby does. At the same time, anyone who’d suggest that the Warriors might have too many wings following this deal doesn’t follow the NBA very closely. In this league, there’s no such thing as too many wings. Death lineups featuring a front court of Draymond Green, Anunoby, and Wiggins should be lethal on both ends of the floor.”"

While what Piercey said is true and Anunoby would be a nice fit at the Warriors, the steep asking price would likely turn the franchise away. In defense of the trade proposal, Anunoby’s $17.4 million salary means that a combination of Wiseman and Kuminga would be the easiest route to making a trade possible from a financial perspective. In that scenario though, you’d imagine Golden State would want picks back rather than send them along with two recent top ten draft selections.

Anunoby also has at least one year left on his deal at $18.6 million, then has a player option for $19.9 million in 2024-25 — that makes him a more attractive target than others who may be available. He’s averaging a career-high 18.9 points per game this season on 47.9% shooting and 35% from three-point range — excellent number that would boost an often lackadaisical Warrior second unit.

But it’s on the defensive end that Anunoby has made his name. He has excellent instinctual attributes that are matched by his 6’7″ size and near 7’3″ wingspan. He currently leads the league in steals and would, as Piercey points out, form an imposing frontcourt presence next to Wiggins and Green.

While Anunoby fits the bill as a defensive-minded perimeter player, his offensive output would be limited by a sheer lack of opportunities. That, and his contract, makes him a much less desirable option than someone like Alex Caruso who the Warriors could also target in the next six weeks.