The Toronto Raptors could be eyeing a big Kevin Durant trade.
According to Marc Stein, the Raptors are among the teams open to acquiring the 36-year-old this offseason. Durant is on the final year of his current deal and is set to earn $54.7 million next season. He is eligible to sign a two-year, $122 million extension with any team that acquires him.
“What you’re hearing now on Kevin Durant, there are teams out there that are saying, you know what, we know he’s only under contract for one more year at about 55 million. We’re willing to gamble on him and the Toronto Raptors are one of those teams,” Stein said on the ALL NBA Podcast.
If the Raptors want to trade for Durant they would need to include two starters to match his salary. A package of RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl works. The Raptors also have the No. 9 pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft they can include in the deal.
The Raptors would be betting big on a Durant, Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes trio. However, with the Eastern Conference being wide open going into next season, Raptors President Masai Ujiri could get aggressive once again.
If the Raptors did pull off such a deal, they would have depth issues they would have to fix. Particularly at the center position. By trading away Poeltl, the Raptors would be giving up their only reliable center on the team. Also, the Raptors would be surrendering future draft capital for a player who could leave after one season.
If the Raptors trade for Durant it would definitely raise their ceiling, however it is still a big risk considering his age and contract situation.
Johni Broome works out with Toronto
The Toronto Raptors could be eyeing frontcourt depth with pick No. 39.
Auburn’s Johni Broome reportedly worked out with Toronto ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, according to HoopsHype.
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