Raptors: Jonathan Kuminga going to the Cavs would be a dream for TOR

The good news for the Toronto Raptors is that they ended up with the No. 4 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. The bad news is that with Detroit, Houston, and Cleveland picking ahead of them, they will likely be forced to take whichever player in the consensus top four falls to them. However, the rising stock of Jonathan Kuminga might unexpectedly help the Raptors out.

Kuminga, who spent last year in the G League with Jalen Green, is widely projected to be picked in the top 10, as his boundless athletic ability could help whoever drafts him end up with a starter at small forward or power forward for the next decade.

Kuminga might not be as attractive to the Raptors as Green, Evan Mobley, or Jalen Suggs, as they have players like OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam at the forward spots. However, he could be very attractive to Cleveland.

Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com is reporting that Kuminga shot the ball well in a very positive workout with the Cavaliers, as his “really good day” was punctuated by him showing off his intelligence and vibrant personality.

If Kuminga goes to Cleveland at No. 3, that means two players of the Suggs-Mobley-Green trio will fall to the No. 4 spot. This will give the Raptors the luxury of choice rather than simply selecting whichever member of the big four ends up in their range.

The Toronto Raptors must hope the Cavaliers take Jonathan Kuminga.

Kuminga is not a perfect prospect, as it is still unclear what his best position in the pros will be and he is currently working to overcome some ghastly efficiency averages. However, he could be a more natural fit with the Cavs given their roster.

Jarrett Allen is a free agent, but Cleveland will likely make a play to retain him. Breaking up the backcourt tandem of Collin Sexton and Darius Garland wouldn’t make much sense for a team ostensibly trying to win, so Kuminga could slide in and start at either forward spot.

The Pistons will likely take Cade Cunningham No. 1 overall, and the buzz linking Green to Houston keeps getting stronger. If the Cavaliers are so seduced by Kuminga’s leaping ability, both Suggs AND Mobley could be available at No. 4. The Raptors will have the freedom to pick between a new starting point guard or the best center in the draft.

Kuminga has worked out for the Raptors, but he likely won’t end up in Toronto because he is a bit of an incongruous fit. Cleveland would get a starter for a decade, while the Raptors get to pick between Suggs and Mobley.

This is a win-win scenario. Make it happen, Cavs.