Report: O.G. Anunoby Wants a Bigger Role 'in Toronto or Elsewhere'

O.G. Anunoby reportedly wants a bigger offensive role with the Toronto Raptors or elsewhere ahead of Thursday's trade deadline

All Raptors Staff | Feb 8, 2023

Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

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Toronto Raptors

The murmurs of O.G. Anunoby's dissatisfaction with his role in Toronto continue to leak out.

The Toronto Raptors forward has never affirmed the reporting but it's hard to ignore the constant rumblings of Anunoby's frustrations. As The Athletic's Sam Amick reported Wednesday, Anunoby "would prefer a bigger role — whether it's in Toronto or elsewhere."

Anunoby's desire for a bigger role was first reported over the summer by Jake Fischer. Raptors coach Nick Nurse said at the time that he had a conversation with Anunoby about getting the 25-year-old forward more involved in the offense this season.

That, however, hasn't exactly come to fruition this year. Anunoby's shot attempts per game are down from last year, even on a per-minute basis. He's also averaging 16.9 points per game, a slight tick down from last year, and now sits behind Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, and Gary Trent Jr. as Toronto's fourth offensive in terms of shot attempts per game.

It's unclear if the Raptors are willing to move Anunoby ahead of Thursday's trade deadline or if trading someone will free up more opportunities for Anunoby to create offensively. Multiple teams have reportedly conveyed interest in Anunoby who could be among the most coveted players moved at the deadline.

Should Anunoby not be moved, he remains under contract with Toronto through next season before he's expected to opt out of his player options and head into free agency in 2024.

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