Raptors Desperate To Move Up in Draft for Evan Mobley

 

According to The Athletic's NBA Draft Insider Sam Vecenie, the Toronto Raptors covet USC 7-footer Evan Mobley. But with the No. 4 pick, he won't be falling to them, leaving the Raptors to investigate trading up. 

The Raptors have been willing participants in trade discussions, sources tell @Sam_Vecenie.

“There is a thought that the Raptors really like Evan Mobley, but they would have to move up to get him.”

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— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) July 27, 2021

And Vecenie says the Raptors have indeed "been willing participants in trade discussions", according to sources. He thinks the asking price from either Houston or Cleveland, who hold the Nos. 2 and 3 picks respectively, would be very high. 

Most mock drafts still have Toronto taking Gonzaga's 6'5" point guard Jalen Suggs with their No. 4 pick. He'd fit the Raptors lineup perfectly, taking over from the likely-departed Kyle Lowry at the point. 

But Toronto's brain trust has looked hard at other players as well, including FSU freak-athlete 6'9" freshman Scottie Barnes. Some wouldn't be surprised to see him go at the No. 4 pick.

Either way, Vecenie feels that, come Toronto's turn at No. 4,  "this is the spot I’m looking at right now as to where the draft surprises could start."

Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports