One of the long-standing insecurities of the Toronto Raptors fan base is the team’s inability to retain superstar players. That’s what made the contract extensions of DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry so significant all those years ago – it signified that players are actually wanting to stay.
Fast forward to last offseason and Kawhi Leonard brought that bitter taste back, electing to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers instead of returning to a Raptors team that he’d just won a Championship with. Once again, Raptors fans had to deal with sneering fans south of the border claiming that no one wants to play in Toront, despite Pascal Siakam breaking out and signing a follow-up extension.
These "unwanted child" feelings is what made Fred VanVleet's contract, and now OG Anunoby’s 4-year extension, so significant for the Raps and their fans. Already rising into being one of the league’s premiere defenders, OG will be looking to take on more of a role in the Raps offence this season. He’s set to make an average of $18 million over the next four years, so he certainly got paid in anticipation of his continued development.
In terms of reaction, some fans were elated to see Anunoby commit to the Raps, while other NBA fans think that it was an overpay.
