3 game-changing OG Anunoby trades we want to see

1. How could the Memphis Grizzlies trade for OG Anunoby?

Grizzlies receive: OG Anunoby

Raptors receive: Dillon Brooks, De’Anthony Melton, 2022 first-round pick (via Memphis, No. 29), 2024 first-round pick (via Golden State, lottery protected, becomes two second-round picks via Toronto and Los Angeles if not conveyed)

The Memphis Grizzlies get involved in the pursuit of strengthening their contender status in this trade. Anunoby is an upgrade over the polarizing Dillon Brooks, bringing more efficient scoring along with All-Defense ability in a similar frame to what Brooks provides.

An Anunoby/Ja Morant/Desmond Bane/Jaren Jackson Jr. core is something the Grizzlies could build upon for years to come, and they do not sacrifice long-term flexibility to do so. Memphis could still use Steven Adams’ expiring and additional firsts to try to acquire a center upgrade, or renounce their free agency rights to Tyus Jones and Kyle Anderson and have roughly $22 million in cap space to work with.

Meanwhile, Toronto brings home Canadian Dillon Brooks. While the fit question may be a concern (Dillon’s offensive confidence in himself does not always align with the status of a game, as his almost 31 percent from 3 on almost 5 attempts per game shows) that should be alleviated some in a new situation. Brooks loves Toronto, and with a change of scenery could potentially welcome a change in role from starter to sixth man/defensive closer — ideal for his skill set.

De’Anthony Melton’s presence adds transition ability and backcourt malleability for a team that already has a couple of undersized combo guards in Trent Jr. and VanVleet. Depth is the name of the game here more than the picks — two non-lottery firsts at best.

Perhaps Toronto is more interested in center Steven Adams, who enjoyed a renaissance season for Memphis this past year, and Ziaire Williams instead. A similarly structured deal could be done around those two players. But Melton and Brooks as a combination are better players at this stage, and balance competitiveness with future assets in a more complete way.

Either way, Memphis trades some of their vaunted depth for a starting wing upgrade – one that would see the Grizzlies acquire a wing that may make Ja Morant and company NBA Finals participants in the near future.