Day: January 17, 2023

The Toronto Raptors have let rival front office know that it would take multiple unprotected first round picks for them to even consider trading OG Anunoby, sources tell Jake Fischer of Sports Betting News.

Anunoby is earning under $20 million this season and next and can become a free agent in 2024. Because Anunoby’s contract is so low, the Raptors almost certainly will be unable to extend him. Anunoby is also represented by Klutch Sports.

The Raptors would seek a trade package in the neighborhood of what the Atlanta Hawks sent to the San Antonio Spurs for Dejounte Murray. That trade included three first round picks and a draft swap.

D’Angelo Russell is in the final season of the four-year $117 million contract he signed as a part of a sign-and-trade to the Golden State Warriors in 2019. As such, Russell’s current team, the Minnesota Timberwolves are figuring out how to proceed with the veteran point guard.

Minnesota is exploring the trade market for Russell, while prioritizing adding a point guard under team control. One rumored target for the Wolves is Mike Conley of the Utah Jazz.

Given that Russell isn’t a lock to stay in Minnesota, the Wolves are exploring his trade market, as opposed to losing him for nothing in the offseason. The Timberwolves are expected to be well over the cap, so they would have no way to replace Russell, or his salary slot, if he left as an unrestricted free agent.

Russell is shooting a career-high 46% from the field, while averaging 17.1 points and 6.2 assists per game. He’s served as a stabilizer of sorts in a Wolves backcourt that has seen both injuries and inconsistent play this season.

The Detroit Pistons have told teams they don’t really want to trade Bojan Bogdanovic. But opposing teams feel an offer of unprotected first-round pick could change the Pistons minds.

The Los Angeles Lakers, New Orlean Pelicans, Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks have all expressed interest in trading for Bogdanovic. All have needs for additional wing depth and perimeter scoring.

Bogdanovic is putting together a career-year, as he’s averaging 21.2 points per game. The eight-year veteran is shooting 48.7% from the floor, including 41.5% on three-pointers. Bogdanovic is also getting to the free throw line a career-best 5.2 times per game and knocking down 88.5% of his free throws.

After being acquired from the Utah Jazz before the season, Bogdanovic signed a two-year contract extension worth $39 million. Next season is fully guaranteed at $20 million, while only $2 million of Bogdanovic’s $19 million deal is guaranteed for the 2024-25 season.