The Toronto Raptors are going to be an intriguing team to keep an eye on this offseason. After making a postseason run but coming up short a year removed from winning the NBA Finals, moves could be made. One of those moves could be an aggressive trade up in the 2020 NBA Draft in pursuit of LaMelo Ball.
According to Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson of Heavy, the Raptors could be looking to make an aggressive trade up in the 2020 NBA Draft to select Ball.
I had NBA Draft expert, Rashad Philips on the Scoop B Radio Podcast back in the spring and he expressed to me that the Philadelphia 76ers and the Golden State Warriors could be looking to wheel and deal in a three team trade with the Toronto Raptors.
That ties into the belief that the Raptors have intrigue in LaMelo Ball. Toronto has to address what they’re going to do with Fred Van Vleet in free agency and Marc Gasol’s future, as well.
Ball would be a very intriguing fit for the Raptors. He would either take over as the starting point guard and allow Toronto to move Kyle Lowry, or he could form a duo with Lowry in the back-court.
During the 2019-20 season in Australia, Ball ended up averaging 17.0 points per game to go along with 7.6 rebounds and 6.8 assists. He shot 37.5 percent from the field and 25 percent from the three-point line.
Obviously, there is a lot of work for Ball to do as far as his shooting percentages are concerned. However, he is a 6-foot-7 point guard who has good athleticism and a great IQ for the game. His raw talent alone would be of interest to the Raptors.
Making a move up in a three-team deal with the Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers would end up being a blockbuster. Getting the No. 2 overall pick from the Warriors would not come cheap. But, if the Raptors could get it done, Ball could be a huge piece for their future.
Only time will tell if the Raptors actually try to make a move for LaMelo Ball, but this is something to keep a close eye on. The Warriors are definitely interested in trading the No. 2 overall pick and this could be an option for them.
