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Toronto Raptors: Pros and Cons of moving the first round pick

By Matthew Eichhorn

May 14, 2019; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage prior to the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery at the Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
May 14, 2019; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage prior to the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery at the Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 03: Evan Mobley #4 of the USC Trojans while playing the Stanford Cardinal at Galen Center on March 3, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 03: Evan Mobley #4 of the USC Trojans while playing the Stanford Cardinal at Galen Center on March 3, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /

Pros of Trading Up: Raptors Get their Guy

It may not be official, but the Raptors’ interest in USC big man Evan Mobley is definitely there. Mobley is a top prospect in the 2021 NBA Draft and while the number four spot in the draft is fantastic, it is unlikely that he will still be available when the Raptors’ time comes to make their selection.

Mobley is a mobile center, able to handle the ball, stretch the floor, and guards the rim well. His fit on the Raptors would be a match made in heaven, as he would be poised to thrive in Nick Nurse’s system, as well as form a dynamic frontcourt duo with Pascal Siakam.

Toronto would need to move into the top-two of the draft if they have any hopes of landing Mobley, or even dynamic guard, Cade Cunningham, a prospect that would be a revelation in the Raptors locker-room as well.

By trading up, the Raptors will get their top option in the draft, and will be completely satisfied with the new building block for their future.

Cons of Trading Up: Giving up too much?

While getting their top-ranked prospect would be ideal, there comes a price in moving up the draft, especially when it comes to entering the top-two. The Raptors would need to give up not only the fourth overall pick, but an additional asset.

The asset in question would be completely depending on which team the Raptors potentially would engage in trade talks with. To make the deal happen it is possible that the Raptors may have to give up a key rotational piece pr another future first-rounder, which could potentially come back to hurt them.

To make this move, the squad would be taking a major risk and could end up giving up more than the pick they traded for was worth.

If there is even a sliver of doubt in the Raptors head office as to moving up within the draft and the risks attached, watch for that hesitancy to stall any trade talks and lead to this team staying put.