The Toronto Raptors rumors have started to really kick off properly over the last few weeks, but one common thread that continues to pick up steam is that this team will look to acquire a new center, either via the draft with Evan Mobley or through free agency with a player like Jarrett Allen.
The Raptors’ hopes of landing the standout USC center will hinge on what the Cleveland Cavaliers decide to do. While star guard Collin Sexton has found his name in the rumor mill, the Raptors might not draft a guard like Jalen Suggs or Jalen Green if he and Darius Garland return as the starting backcourt.
It would be very hard to envision a scenario in which Mobley and Allen are both retained. If the Cavs go in the direction Vegas thinks they will, they could allow Allen to hit the free agent market and end up firmly in the Raptors’ gaze.
According to the odds provided by WynnBet, Mobley is regarded as a heavy favorite to be selected at No. 3 overall with -325 odds, meaning that one would need to bet $325 to win $100. With Mobley now the overwhelming favorite to get picked here over Suggs or Green, does that mean that the Cavaliers would be willing to allow the Raptors to snatch away Allen?
As much as I like Collin Sexton's possible Knicks fit, I also love how Obi Toppin would fit in as a Cav if Cade/Green are the top picks. Evan Mobley is exactly the sort of big that could protect him on defense, and their versatility offensively would be a nightmare for defenses.
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) July 13, 2021
Could the Toronto Raptors sign Jarrett Allen if Evan Mobley goes to the Cavs?
After spending the first three years of his career in Brooklyn, Allen was dealt away in the James Harden deal. His 13.2 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game averages show that even at just 23 years old, he is quickly evolving into one of the best rebounders and shot-blockers that this game has to offer.
Allen’s restricted status means that the Cavaliers could retain him by matching any offer sheet Toronto offers. Having said that, selecting Mobley could mean that Cleveland would be less inclined to bring Allen back.
A team that suffered from a lack of rebounding, interior defense, and athleticism in the paint will get a major boost in all three areas if they sign Allen.
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The Raptors need to hope that his price tag comes down a bit, as a deal paying Allen anywhere near $25 million per year might be a bit too rich for Toronto to commit to one player. If they can rope him in on a long-term deal that pays him somewhere close to the $20 million per year range, that would be a dream scenario for this front office.
Losing Mobley might make some fans pout, but imagine if the Raptors draft a player like Suggs at No. 4 and sign Allen. With Suggs at point guard, Fred VanVleet at shooting guard, OG Anunoby at small forward, a healthy Pascal Siakam at power forward, and Allen at center, the Raptors would be set up nicely for the next half-decade.