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NBA Draft 2021: 5 trades that could potentially happen on draft night

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 21: Ethan Thompson #5 of the Oregon State Beavers drives against Cade Cunningham #2 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the second half in the second round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 21, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Oregon State Beavers won 80-70. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 21: Ethan Thompson #5 of the Oregon State Beavers drives against Cade Cunningham #2 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the second half in the second round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse on March 21, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Oregon State Beavers won 80-70. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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NBA Draft Pascal Siakam Toronto Raptors (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
NBA Draft Pascal Siakam Toronto Raptors (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /

How This Helps the Raptors

The Raptors signal the start of a rebuild by trading their franchise player. They take former No.1 pick, Andrew Wiggins, as cap filler with the potential to flip him to another team.

Toronto gets another lottery pick to pair with the No.4 pick they already have. This gives them the ability to start a solid rebuild. As in my latest mock draft, Jalen Suggs would go No.4, and Turkish center Alperen Sengun would be taken at No.14. Which are very solid pieces to start a rebuild.

How This Helps the Warriors

The Warriors already have a piece for the future in James Wiseman and the No.7 pick. And after the historic season, Stephen Curry had, they need to try and surround him with talent before that championship window closes.

That will be difficult now with Wiggins, Draymond Green, Curry, and Thompson all having max contracts. This means Golden State will have to use the mid-level exception and their draft assets to improve the roster.

Getting Siakam here would be an upgrade over Wiggins, as their playstyles are similar. Siakam is a better scorer and shot creator than Wiggins which will take less pressure off Curry and Thompson.

What Golden State gets here to sum it up is an upgrade from an above-average player to an all-star caliber player. Plus, GSW gets to keep the No.7 pick, which is a win for GM Bob Myers.