The Toronto Raptors could have their sights set on Kevin Durant.
The Raptors have been heavily linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo as of late, however the Milwaukee Bucks superstar has not yet requested a trade.
A player who is more of a sure bet to get traded this summer is Kevin Durant. According to Shams Charania, the Suns will work with Durant and his business partner, Boardroom CEO Rich Kleiman, on his next landing spot.
That landing spot could be Toronto. According to The Stein Line’s Jake Fisher, if Antetokounmpo doesn’t reach the open market, the Raptors could pivot and be a potential trade suitor for Durant:
“Toronto has likewise been painted by numerous NBA figures as a potential trade suitor for Durant … particularly if Antetokounmpo doesn’t reach the open market. The Raptors, furthermore, would figure to have a more realistic shot at assembling a competitive trade offer for Durant compared to the mammoth offers that the Bucks would inevitably seek for Antetokounmpo’s services.”
Unlike a trade for Antetokounmpo, the Raptors would not have to break the bank to trade for Durant who will turn 37-year-old in September.
The Suns have reportedly lowered their asking price for Durant per Kelly Iko and they are prioritizing acquiring a center for him, per Matt Moore.
The framework for a potential trade for Durant could see the Raptors parting ways with RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl and the No. 9 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Barrett and Poeltl would be key in matching the $54 million salary Durant is owed next season. However, the Raptors would be losing their only true center.
Durant is also an unrestricted free agent next summer so the Raptors would have to feel good about signing him to his next deal.
Toronto would be going all in on a big three of Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram and Durant.
The Raptors are reportedly looking for ‘a big fish’ this summer so Masai Ujiri could have something up his sleeve. If the Raptors don’t wind up striking on a deal for Antetokounmpo, their plan b could be Durant.
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