Raptors Predicted to Land 6-foot-9 Forward After Giannis Antetokounmpo News
Raptors Predicted to Land 6-foot-9 Forward After Giannis Antetokounmpo News originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Toronto Raptors are amid a crucial NBA offseason. Finishing 11th in the Eastern Conference Standings with a 30-52 record, Toronto landed the No. 9 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft lottery.
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With superstars like Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo involved in trade rumors, the Raptors have been floated as potential landing spot for both players. Doug Smith of the Toronto Star even reported mutual interest between Toronto and Antetokounmpo.
Any deal for Antetokounmpo would be likely to include Toronto's first round pick in this year's draft, but recent developments have made it more likely the Raptors will be making a selection when pick No. 9 rolls around.
Toronto Raptors Vice-Chairman and Team President Masai Ujiri.© John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
While in Brazil, Antetokounmpo reiterated he plans on remaining with the Bucks this offseason (h/t Eurohoops). This has been reaffirmed in other reports.
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Following the news that Antetokounmpo is expected to stay put, which could significantly increase the likelihood of Toronto keeping its pick, NBA.com released a Mock Draft that has the Raptors predicted to select Derik Queen out of Maryland.
Queen, a 6-foot-9 forward/center, averaged 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds in his freshman season at Maryland. He took home several honors, including the Big Ten Rookie of the Year. Last month, Queen revealed he met with Toronto.
The NBA.com profile for Queen (h/t RotoWire) contains some very intriguing analysis.
"Queen's upside could rival Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, but the Maryland product is a riskier selection," the profile reads. "Queen isn't a true center, which isn't a dealbreaker in today's NBA, but it does raise questions: Which position will he play, and who will he be able to guard at the next level?"
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This type of play could fit well alongside the core Toronto is building. With a blockbuster move for Antetokounmpo seemingly off the table, the Raptors are under pressure to draft well at No. 9.
Related: Giannis Antetokounmpo Makes Post After Raptors Trade Report
Related: Raptors Make One Player Off Limits in Kevin Durant Trade
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
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