6. OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors
Jerami Grant was once one of the league’s best 3-and-D combo forwards, then developed his offensive game to become a more multi-faceted player. OG Anunoby is on a similar trajectory, having established himself as a truly elite 3-and-D forward and showing flashes of becoming something more.
It’s not immediately clear whether Anunoby would be available for a trade this season; the Toronto Raptors seem committed to not trading any of their players for less than a king’s ransom, content for them to walk in free agency rather than accept anything less than chests of gold back in a trade. Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet left, and Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby can both be free agents next season. Anunoby in particular will have a host of suitors, from the Philadelphia 76ers and Detroit Pistons to the Utah Jazz and Charlotte Hornets.
If the Raptors realize the writing is on the wall and begin to field trade offers, the Warriors make a lot of sense as a trade partner. Andrew Wiggins could return home to Toronto and give the Raptors a forward who is under contract for multiple seasons, delaying any free agency drama. The Warriors also have multiple first-round picks they can attach to Wiggins.
From the Golden State end of the equation, Anunoby gives them one of the league’s best perimeter defenders with the versatility to defend any position. He’s also become a knockdown 3-point shooter, hitting 41.7 percent of his 3-pointers this season and 37.7 percent for his career. He would fit perfectly in the Warriors’ starting lineup and increase their defensive ceiling.