In order to provide superstar point guard Stephen Curry with more support, one NBA insider has suggested that the Golden State Warriors trade forward Jonathan Kuminga and shooting guard Jordan Poole to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for forward OG Anunoby.
Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report thinks Poole ought to start again somewhere else.
“Why? Whether it was the preseason punch, a zillion early-season palming violations, the league figuring him out or general dissatisfaction with his role, Jordan Poole played like a guy who had a foot out the door all season,” Hughes wrote. “His failure to fill a critical playoff niche as the Golden State Warriors’ main shot-creator behind Stephen Curry sealed the deal.”
“The Warriors need depth, someone who’ll play within their system, and financial relief, and the best way to get some of those things is to trade Poole, who’ll probably be better off running his own show without a teammate that tried to knock him out,” Hughes explained.
For the Raptors in 2022–23, Anunoby averaged 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while shooting 47.6% from the field, 38.7% from beyond the arc, and 83.8% from the line. In December 2020, Toronto and the adaptable London swingman agreed to a four-year, $72 million contract deal.
In the fall, Anunoby will be able to re-sign with the Raptors. The Indiana product has a player option worth $19.9 million for 2024–2025 and will earn $18.6 million in 2023–2024.
In six games, Curry and the Warriors were defeated by the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals. Although some experts think Golden State’s dynasty is finished, the Dubs ought to be contenders as long as Curry is healthy and performing at a high level.
Anunoby has averaged 11.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists over his career. He defeated the Warriors to win the 2019 NBA title with the Raptors.
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