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

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

Evan <a href='https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/evan-mobley' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'>Mobley</a> #4 of the USC Trojans takes a shot over Eric Williams Jr. #50 — 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

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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.

#3 The Raptors will go in search of another star

<a href='https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/lonzo-ball' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'>Lonzo Ball</a> #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans — 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

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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.