Toronto Raptors: 3 trades that move the Raptors up in 2021 NBA Draft order
By Mike Luciano
The Toronto Raptors had just the seventh-best odds at securing the top selection in the draft and unfavorable chances at moving up in the draft, but the club managed to defy the laws of probability by moving up to the No. 4 spot in the 2021 NBA Draft.
With the Detroit Pistons likely to select Oklahoma State’s Cade Cunningham with the first overall selection, the Raptors are widely expected to end up with one of either USC center Evan Mobley, G League guard Jalen Green, or Gonzaga point guard Jalen Suggs. All three of them could be franchise cornerstones for years to come.
However, the Raptors could still decide to get aggressive as the draft starts to come closer, as doing so could make sure that they get the player THEY identify as the best fit for their club as opposed to letting the chips fall where they may.
The Raptors would need to give up a ton of draft capital if they are to move up, but that shouldn’t deter them if they have their heart set on one of the top prospects. After all, the Raptors shouldn’t expect to be picking in this range too often.
Raptors assistant GM Dan Tolzman said moving up to No. 4 helped them narrow down their list a bit of who to drill down on. Much of the prep has already been done though.
— Ryan Wolstat (@WolstatSun) July 7, 2021
3 trades that could help the Toronto Raptors move up in the NBA Draft.
Toronto Raptors Trade No. 1: A move up to No. 3
The Cleveland Cavaliers are a true wild-card, as they could go in one of two very different directions. If they draft Mobley, that means they could say goodbye to one of the best young centers in the game in Jarrett Allen. Could they end up with Suggs or Green considering that Collin Sexton’s name is in the rumor mill?
This is a bit of a safer option, as it won’t require the Raptors to surrender a ton of draft capital, but it could be the reassurance that Toronto needs. The Cavaliers add a few more developmental players to the mix while still drafting a star player, while Toronto secures their preferred player at No. 3.
Will the Cleveland Cavaliers trade with the Toronto Raptors?
GM Koby Altman hasn’t been shy about his desire to move this pick in order to speed up the rebuild, meaning that trading the pick for a veteran might be the more likely option. The Raptors should at least listen if Altman tried to procure one of their vets for that price, but this deal would satisfy both parties.
Considering that one of either Sexton, Allen, or whomever the pick at No. 3 will not be in Cleveland at the start of this season, the Cavs are still far away from contending. At least with this deal, they can add some extra draft capital. Toronto, meanwhile, adds a perfect.