According to Jake Fischer, the Toronto Raptors‘ pick at #9 is considered the pick most likely to be traded in the draft lottery.
The Raptors’ No. 9 pick is also increasingly viewed as perhaps the most likely top-10 pick in the draft to be traded. My sense is that Toronto would prefer to simply trade down rather than trade out of the first-round completely. Perhaps there is some swap potential in a deal with Phoenix and the Suns’ No. 29 overall selection.
It’s an opportunity for the Utah Jazz to move up and bring on more young talent to develop as they continue to seek core players for their future.
The question is, would the Utah Jazz be able to make something happen with the Toronto Raptors that could make both sides happy? Utah does have some established veterans they could send to Toronto that could make things happen. The first name that comes to mind is John Collins, who is on an expiring deal, but could go to Toronto and help elevate that team quickly. The only issue is the size of his contract. If Utah packaged John Collins with the #21, could that get them to #9? Or maybe the Raptors would be interested in Collin Sexton, his efficient scoring could be a serious weapon for the Raptors in a weak Eastern Conference.
Then you have to ask yourself, is there a guy at that spot they’d like to take? Maybe the Jazz, who have been horrendous defensively the last three seasons, could draft someone like Collin Murray-Boyles as a defensive lynchpin of the future. Or maybe Khaman Maluach is still available, and Utah believes he can become the rim-protecting center that spreads the floor on offense? Whatever the case, Utah needs to look into this pick and see if they can make something happen because they need to bring in as much youth as possible. Eventually, they’re going to find that diamond in the rough that can help them start building towards the future that Jazz fans are hoping for.
