The Raptors Are Reportedly Trying To Trade Into The Top-10 For A Different Guard

This week is one of my favorite weeks of the year. I’ve always been a sucker for the NBA Draft because it combined a handful of my favorite things with college hoops, NBA, scouting and rumors. Well, we have a new rumor floating around this afternoon as the Toronto Raptors are throwing their name into wanting to trade up into the top-10. The difference here is this is for a new name.

The Raptors apparently are really interested in trading up for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from Kentucky. It would be a bit of a shock to see him go in the top-10 as he’s projected to go somewhere in the 11-14 range (I have him going 11 to the Hornets). The likely landing spot has been the Los Angeles Clippers with picks 12 and 13.

Here’s why this is interesting. The Raptors currently have Kyle Lowry and Delon Wright. They also have Fred VanVleet – possibly. VanVleet is a restricted free agent but he’s talked about wanting to return to Toronto and has said he’s willing to take a discount possibly. So what would the Raptors be looking to do here?

Gilgeous-Alexander does remind people of Delon Wright with his frame, long arms and how good he is at getting into the lane during his time in college. I think he projects as a better player than Wright at the NBA level, but it feels repetitive having both on the roster. Could this be part of a bigger move involving Lowry?

The Raptors are sort of in a weird spot. They moved on from Dwane Casey after winning Coach of the Year (from other coaches) and having the No. 1 seed in the East. The problem is they could never beat LeBron in the playoffs, getting swept this year. Do they feel like Lowry and DeRozan are good enough to build around? Or are they wanting to start new with guys like OG Anunoby, VanVleet and build around newer assets?

Let’s get to Thursday. I’m ready for fireworks and finding out what’s been weird rumors or not.