Raptors May Not Be Willing To Surrender OG Anunoby In A Ben Simmons Deal

Apparently, the Raptors have their limits when it comes to pursuing a trade for available 76ers star guard/forward Ben Simmons.

Namely, the Raptors may not want to part with forward OG Anunoby, and power forward Pascal Siakam is seemingly off the table entirely. That’s the latest from veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein of Substack.

Simmons, 25, was thrown out of practice the other day and suspended for the first game. He wants to be traded and the 76ers apparently want to trade him. So in that sense, it’s a match made in hoops heaven.

Finding a taker in Toronto, however, may be another matter.

“The draft compensation involved in any eventual Simmons trade figures to be a difference-making variable, but the Raptors have the base talent to outbid numerous teams (if they choose) when Philadelphia finally reaches the point that it concedes it is no longer tenable to hold out for a star on Damian Lillard’s or Bradley Beal’s level,” Stein wrote.

“Rather than pursue a swap centered around Pascal Siakam, it is easier to see Philadelphia trying to push to acquire a rising star capable of replicating Simmons’ versatility — namely OG Anunoby — who can be packaged with a playoff-tested veteran ballhandler to give the Sixers’ backcourt a needed boost (Goran Dragic).”

But again, Anunoby could turn into a sticking point if the Raptors and Sixers get serious about Simmons talks.

“That’s not to say Toronto would be willing,” Stein added. “Simmons’ tumultuous first week back with the Sixers hasn’t exactly enhanced his punctured trade value and word is that Masai Ujiri, Daryl Morey’s Toronto counterpart, ‘loves’ Anunoby, who is poised to take a major step in the post-Kyle Lowry era given the potential he has already flashed as a defender, playmaker and shooter.

“Surrendering Anunoby at this pivotal stage of his development might be too painful for the Raptors, even if they are tantalized by the opportunity to relaunch Simmons’ career. I’m just saying Morey will try.”

Along with the Raptors, the Cavaliers, Timberwolves, Pistons and Spurs are said to be among those in hot pursuit of Simmons.