The longer Nets postpone trading Kevin Durant, the better for Toronto Raptors
Kevin Durant vs. Scottie Barnes
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Raptors are still riding high from winning the 2019 NBA title. But what many would describe as a one-season-wonder NBA run might be getting a sequel in the 2022/23 season. That's why fans waste no time checking online betting in Canada for the latest odds on the Raptors, especially with a potential league-altering deal looming over the organization.
KD rumors are still alive
We are a few weeks into the Kevin Durant trade request saga, and the 33-year-old superstar is still with the Nets.
The Phoenix Suns, KD's preferred destination, are now most likely out of the picture after their decision to match DeAndre Ayton's offer sheet from the Pacers cost them their most valuable trade asset. The Miami Heat, although committed to landing Durant's services, can't center their offer around Bam Adebayo due to the Designated Rookie Extension rule.
Pat Riley might still gather enough assets to make it happen, but the Nets sure won't be jumping at the Adebayo-less offer from the Heat.
There were also reports about the Celtics offering Jaylen Brown-centered package for KD, but the proposal was rejected by the Nets.
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Then there is Toronto; a team with a load of young talent, as well as draft picks, available for a potential trade. And while the Raptors remain "fixed on keeping Scottie Barnes out of KD trade packages," they are still in the mix to acquire Durant, especially since the bidding war for the 12x All-Star is yet to start.
What can Toronto offer?
Due to signing restrictions, the likes of Otto Porter Jr., Chris Boucher, Thaddeus Young, and D.J. Wilson can't be included in a potential deal. But everyone else -- Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, Gary Trent Jr., and OG Anunoby -- remains on the table.
The Raptors also have full control over their first-round Draft picks until 2028. So they have the means to put together a good-enough package to acquire KD while still being in a position to compete for a championship.
The question is, will their unwillingness to include Scottie Barnes cost them Durant's services?
By the looks of it, Brooklyn is in no rush to get rid of their superstar forward, who has four years left on his deal. And while doing it correctly is much more important than doing it quickly, there will come a time when the organization will be fed up with having a nuisance on the roster.
When (and if) that time comes, the Nets will have to lower their asking price for KD. That's when the Raptors' package, even without including the 2021/22 Rookie of The Year, will be hard to match by any other team in the association.
The bidding war is yet to start. When it does, someone better snatch the former league MVP. Otherwise, the Raptors might once again wind up in the situation they were in when they acquired Kawhi Leonard. And we all know how that turned out.
The city of Toronto is still riding high from winning a championship three years ago. But like I said, the sequel might be on the way.
