Report: Plenty of 'Buzz' About Raptors Moving Up in NBA Draft

The Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets, and New Orleans Pelicans are all among the teams looking to move up in the NBA Draft

All Raptors Staff | Jun 15, 2023

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Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors appear to have their eyes set on the top of the NBA Draft.

The Raptors are reportedly among the teams believed to be looking to move up in the June 22 draft, according to Yahoo’s Jake Fischer. Toronto, Houston, and New Orleans have all registered interest in jumping up the draft board.

It’s unclear how high Toronto would be looking to move up. The team currently holds the 13th pick, the second last spot in the lottery and almost in the middle of the first round.

Most of the trade chatter when it comes to the draft appears to be centered around the Portland Trail Blazers, owners of the No. 3 pick. Portland has reportedly discussed moving the pick as they look to build a championship-contending team around Damian Lillard, per ESPN.

Charlotte owns the No. 2 pick and is reportedly “deep in internal deliberations” as they decide between Scoot Henderson and Brandon Miller, per Fischer.

Toronto has so far shown no public indication the team is heading toward a rebuild or retooling this offseason. Moving up to the top of the draft would likely require the Raptors to part with significant assets including Pascal Siakam or O.G. Anunoby in order to pry loose the No. 2 or No. 3 picks.

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