NBA Rumors: 3 bold predictions for Toronto Raptors' 2021 NBA off-season

The Toronto Raptors are expected to be very active during the 2021 NBA free agency as there is a lot that needs fixing. For the first time in eight years, the Raptors failed to qualify for the NBA playoffs after an abysmal 27-45 run in the 2020-21 regular season.

Injuries and covid-19 protocols derailed the Toronto Raptors' season, coupled with the fact that they played their home games at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. For a team that has made the playoffs in the last seven seasons, a 12th-placed finish is unacceptable.

The Toronto Raptors front office has a lot to ponder about as they embark on a mini rebuild, one that will help them compete for the championship. The Raptors won the 2019 NBA Finals but could not make a deep run the following year after losing Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green in free agency.

On this day in 2018, Kawhi Leonard was traded to the Raptors with Danny Green in a move that sends DeMar DeRozan to the Spurs. Leonard would go on to lead the Raptors to their first NBA championship in his lone season in Toronto. pic.twitter.com/1uBav5HSnO

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 18, 2021

For the first time since 2003, the Toronto Raptors now have a top four pick. With the quality and depth of the 2021 NBA Draft class, they have a good chance of picking a youngster that could develop into an All-Star.

With 2021 NBA free agency about a week away, here are three bold predictions for the Toronto Raptors.

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#1 Kyle Lowry will not suit up for the Toronto Raptors in the 2021-22 season

Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors in action against Alec Burks #18 of the New York Knicks

Kyle Lowry's time with the Toronto Raptors has most likely come to an end as he was set to leave during the trade deadline. Although no deal was completed at the time, franchises in need of an elite veteran guard will come calling.

The LA Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat were favorites to land the guard in the offseason but could not pull it off. These franchises will probably be frontrunners as soon as free agency commences in August.

🆕 Inside Pass from @ShamsCharania◻️ Bradley Beal mulling future with Wizards◻️ Lakers and Kings have discussed Buddy Hield trade◻️ Sixers, Lakers, Mavericks, Pelicans and Heat expected to be top suitors for Kyle Lowry https://t.co/gz2KP4LTjW

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) July 25, 2021

Lowry has been mentioned in several trade rumors, so it would be interesting to see where next the guard will ply his trade. Although the Toronto Raptors would like the backcourt duo of Lowry and Fred VanVleet to have another run, no offer might be enticing enough for the 35-year-old guard.

Despite the Toronto Raptors' gloomy season, Lowry still played at an elite level on both ends of the court. He finished the season averaging 17.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 7.4 assists.

#2 The Toronto Raptors will move up the draft to select Evan Mobley

Evan Mobley #4 of the USC Trojans takes a shot over Eric Williams Jr. #50

Rumors are circulating that the Toronto Raptors have made offers to the Cleveland Cavaliers for the No. 3 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. The general consensus is that Evan Mobley will be selected as the 3rd overall pick, suggesting that they are interested in selecting Mobley.

Signing Evan Mobley will be a great boost for the Toronto Raptors, as they will fill a position they have been lacking in since Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka's departure in the 2020 offseason. He has received high praise for being a great defender, which will be helpful to a team that hopes to go on a championship run.

On offense, Mobley is equally as effective in playing pick-and-roll with VanVleet, which would result in several open shots or lob passes. Mobley has also come out to express his interest in the Toronto Raptors and how the franchise helps young players develop.

Evan Mobley, the top big man prospect in the NBA Draft, says Raptors are "a good player development organization. Players go there, they get better. Great city and all that. There’s a lot of different teams that have that aspect and Toronto is definitely one of them."

— Ryan Wolstat (@WolstatSun) July 23, 2021

Even if the Cleveland Cavaliers do not agree to trade their No. 3 pick to the Toronto Raptors, Mobley might still be available for the Raptors. As things stand, the Cavs will likely re-sign Jarrett Allen, which might result in them passing up on another big man. Although anything can happen come draft day, this is not a risk the Raptors will be willing to take.

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#3 The Raptors will go in search of another star

Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans

Losing Kyle Lowry will be a major setback in the Toronto Raptors' chances at contending for another championship. However, there are options in free agency or through trade that could be an ideal replacement.

VanVleet could be slotted into the point guard position, but he'd still need an elite-level player to pair with him. The Toronto Raptors can make Lonzo Ball an offer as he will most likely not return with the New Orleans Pelicans.

NBA Rumors: Toronto Raptors Could Be Among Lonzo Ball’s Top Trade Destinations, Per ‘CBS Sports’ #News https://t.co/sERfOd3Jn1

— The Inquisitr (@theinquisitr) January 31, 2021

Another backcourt pairing that could work wonders is the introduction of Buddy Hield. Rumors suggest he would like a move from Sacramento. Although the Toronto Raptors might not want to lose any of their All-Star caliber players, they would have to put together a trade package that would entice the Sacramento Kings.

Several free agents would be a great fit. The Toronto Raptors front office will have a lot of thinking to do to pursue a player that could be the most effective, all things considered.