I think I'd rather bank on AJ as an offensive weapon and just develop some 3&D prospects from the 2nd Round of the draft (or G-League).
Bleacher ReportHawks Acquire OTHER Raptors Star Forward
Atlanta Hawks Receive: O.G. Anunoby
Toronto Raptors Receive: SF AJ Griffin, F De'Andre Hunter, 2024 first-round pick (via Sacramento Kings), 2027 second-round pick, 2030 second-round pick
If the Hawks can't convince the Raptors to give up Pascal Siakam, getting Anunoby in return is a terrific consolation prize.
Atlanta still needs to improve defensively around Trae Young after ranking just 22nd overall (115.4 rating) last season. Anunoby, 25,led the league in steals (1.9 a game) and received the most first-place All-Defensive team votes (14) of any wing in the NBA last season.
At 6'7" and 232 pounds, Anunoby is long enough to defend guards and strong enough to switch onto most bigs. A starting five of Young, Dejounte Murray, Saddiq Bey, Anunoby and Clint Capela would be formidable on both ends of the ball.
For Toronto, this is protection against losing another star player in free agency, as Anunoby can choose to turn down his final $19.9 million in 2024-25 and become an unrestricted free agent next summer instead.
Griffin, 19, had a strong rookie season in Atlanta, shooting 39.0 percent from three for the year and averaging 13.4 points in his 12 starts. Hunter, 25, averaged 15.4 points and is just starting a four-year, $90 million contract. Unlike Anunoby, there's no danger of him leaving anytime soon.
The Raptors also pick up a first-round pick in 2024 via the Kings (lottery-protected) and a pair of future seconds for their trouble.














