Grade the trade: Mock trade has Kings acquire Anunoby

Kings – Raptors Mock Trade: Why the Raptors do it

The Raptors have been major disappointments this season and taking this trade signifies they are embracing the blow-it-up at the deadline approach. Trades involving guys like Fred VanVleet would also be coming, but this move allows the Raptors to get a head start on their retooling.

In addition to the multiple first-round picks the Raptors also add the services of a defensive menace in point guard Davion Mitchell. He helps keep the brand of basketball the Raptors want to play alive while they look to reshape their culture and locker room.

As they do that reshaping, the Raptors can keep the multiple future firsts in their back pocket so they can seize when the time is right on the trade market. Mitchell is a solid foundation piece while Richaun Holmes eats rotation minutes in the upcoming seasons.

In the end, this would be about the big picture of creating flexibility and adding assets for the right time when that time comes.

Kings – Raptors Mock Trade: Why the Kings do it

The Kings ship out a former lottery pick and their backup big man, along with two future firsts, to add a two-way wing that gives them a full stable of stud wings in their rotation.  Suddenly the Kings can throw Anunoby on the opponent’s best scorers while also involving him in a complimentary role on the offensive end.

OG would right away become the Kings best perimeter defender and he would add another layer to the team’s halfcourt offense. With multiple years left on his contract, the Kings have him to go alongside rookie Keegan Murray for years to come.

Now, they can choose to let Harrison Barnes walk in free agency if the price gets too high. They won’t be losing much if they walk away from him to pursue other players.