Grade the Trade: Bucks add All-Defensive wing in deal with the Raptors

The Toronto Raptors’ perspective on this trade with the Milwaukee Bucks

Rumors have been circulating around Anunoby following a season of struggle from the Raptors, in which they made the play-in as the ninth seed with a 41-41 record. The Raptors will be weighing up any offers they receive as Anunoby is certainly a player that can help any contender.

Fred VanVleet has already moved onto the Houston Rockets, and there are rumors circulating about Pascal Siakam potentially being moved as well. At the wing position, they also have Scottie Barnes and have just drafted Gradey Dick as well so the front office may see those two as their future. If Anunoby chooses to move on and not take up his player option, then the Raptors will look for a return for him.

Getting two veteran players in return here isn’t the main selling point for the Raptors here. An extra first round pick in 2029 would be beneficial along with two 2nd round picks that will allow them to add more around their two young wings. Allen becomes a free agent following the conclusion of the upcoming season. Connaughton is committed through 2024-25 and has a player option for the following year. This will help the Raptors potentially move him on in another trade, or they can keep him around as a veteran presence in the locker room.

The Raptors may be looking for players that can help them more in the long run and potentially picks from a team that won’t be selecting so late in the rounds. From their point of view, I can’t help but feel they may get a more lucrative offer for Anunoby than what the Bucks can offer, but we shall see.