Could (and should) Raptors Trade Up in NBA Draft?

The 2016 NBA Draft is just a day away and the Toronto Raptors hold two selections in the first round. Should they keep them?

With the NBA Finals drawing to a close after a thrilling game 7 between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers, the off-season has officially begun. Players and franchises will find their names in the rumour mill often during the next few weeks as teams look to reshape for the season ahead. The Toronto Raptors are one organization which will certainly be busy this summer, considering the key players that head into free agency in DeMar DeRozan and Bismack Biyombo. General Manager Masai Ujiri has been credited with turning a struggling franchise into a Championship contender with the moves he’s made thus far in his reign. Having reached the Eastern Conference Finals, the pressure is now on Ujiri to make the right choices in a critical time for Canada’s sole NBA franchise.

More from Raptors Rapture

The hard work truly begins tomorrow night for the front office. The Raptors currently own two first-round picks, #9 and #27. With an obvious shortcoming in the power forward position for Toronto, the lottery pick offers an opportunity to take a blooming frontcourt player such as Skal Labissiere. However, the later pick in the first round opens up an interesting possibility for the Raps. Should Toronto wish to move up to take Canada’s own Jamal Murray, a point guard coming out of Kentucky, then a combination of their two draft picks and perhaps, Terrence Ross, might just be enough to climb up the selection order.

More from Raptors News

Mar 19, 2016; Des Moines, IA, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) dunks the ball against Indiana Hoosiers guard James Blackmon Jr. (1) in the first half during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

There’s not much likelihood that the Philadelphia 76ers will trade away their #1 pick, and the same goes for the Los Angeles Lakers who are picking second. According to reports Boston is interested in packaging their third pick for an established NBA figure, but Toronto would rather retain the likes of Kyle Lowry and Jonas Valanciunas than pick up a valuable draft pick. After Boston, there may be teams that would be willing to listen to Ujiri should he opt to move up in tomorrow’s draft. Phoenix at #4 never intended to find themselves in this position but due to a split between management and front office as well as misfortune with regards to injuries, hold a prestigious pick. Below them are Minnesota, a team that boasts a wide array of young talent that may be interested in picking up a wing player in Ross and a couple of extra draft picks as they attempt to entice the Bulls into trading away Jimmy Butler. New Orleans certainly wouldn’t outright reject the opportunity to improve their roster with an extra pick and a player of Ross’ potential. The opinion of most mock drafts is that Murray will fall no further than the Pelicans sixth pick so if the front office wishes to move up then they’d be wise to try and tempt any one of Phoenix, Timberwolves or Pelicans with an offer.

Next: Should Raptors select Skal Labissiere at #9?

What do you think Raptors fans? Should the franchise try to trade up or would you keep both picks?