Potential trade #2:
In the second potential deal, the Cavaliers trade Lauri Markkanen, Dylan Windler and their #14 pick in a few weeks to the Raptors for Anunoby and a 2025 second-rounder.
Here, the Raptors do get a stretch big in Markkanen that is a meaningful spacer in his own right that can be a pick-and-pop player, solid cutter and player that has good feel in transition as both a trailer and underrated rim-to-rim big at times.
Markkanen could be a player that could be a go-to bench shooter, or Toronto could have Pascal Siakam play at the 3 with Markkanen and Khem Birch at the 4/5 fairly regularly. With other impact defenders, Markkanen could be passable defensively, in that scenario, and did do better than one could’ve realistically expected this season on that end.
Regarding the other elements to the deal, the Cavs include their #14 pick sent after the draft commences, as we stated, which could be a player Toronto can develop gradually.
And lastly, while injuries and seemingly a lack of confidence when the chances have been there have been problems with Dylan Windler, maybe a change of scenery is good for him with the Raps. There is potential with Windler, who will turn 26 before this season, and though I don’t see him being impactful for Cleveland, perhaps the Raptors can maximize him as a movement shooter, and instinctive team defender.
The Raps could decide on potential roster moves to come from there, numbers-wise.
As we’ve mentioned, these are both theoretical frameworks, but the Cavs would be wise to call the Raptors about Anunoby.
Moreover, it’s tough to say if Toronto might seriously consider a potential deal from the Cavaliers. Still, if I’m Koby Altman/Mike Gansey, I’d at least guage what it might cost to acquire Anunoby, if he were to become available.
As Fischer’s report mentioned, Anunoby was among Toronto’s group of players that near the 2022 deadline were essentially considered untouchable, but that might not be the case anymore, so one would assume there will continue to be rumors.
I wouldn’t be willing to include Jarrett Allen in a deal, and I’d personally be hesitant about Collin Sexton being a crucial part of a deal for Anunoby, involving a sign-and-trade. I also would rather Cleveland keep Markkanen around, overall, as opposed to trading him this offseason, as some seem to believe could be sensible in a deal for a wing.
Generally, however, with Anunoby only set to turn 25 next month, under contract for the next two years at least, albeit with a $19.2 million player option for the third season, and with him on a pretty reasonable deal for the next two seasons at $17.4 and $18.6 million, Cleveland should inquire about his availability. Heading into his sixth season, he’s still a player on the rise and might just be entering his prime, I believe.
Not to mention, even now, Anunoby has had ample postseason experience, and for a young Cavs team that’s not had that for most guys, that’d be a bonus. This Cavaliers team seems primed for that next season and hopefully beyond, too.
I wouldn’t expect serious traction from the Cavs regarding Anunoby, but it’s still pretty early in the offseason, so maybe the Cavs could be in the running at some point. And for what it’s worth, Gary Trent Jr. is a player the Cavaliers have been linked to, and he was once reportedly basically deemed in that untouchable group, along with Achiuwa.
I’m not suggesting a potential Anunoby and Trent package megadeal, though. Let’s pump the breaks on that one.