3 Raptors assets that could be traded to Nets in Kevin Durant deal
By Mike Luciano
The Toronto Raptors could be perfectly content with an offseason highlighted by the signing of Otto Porter Jr. in addition to the retention of Chris Boucher and Thad Young. However, if Masai Ujiri wants to go big-game hunting, the idea of a Kevin Durant trade needs to be explored.
Not only is Durant actively looking to leave the Brooklyn Nets, but Adrian Wojnarowski has mentioned Toronto as a “lurking” trade partner. We haven’t heard anything linking Durant to the Raptors just yet, but the idea of a trade to Canada can’t be discarded.
Toronto is not only fresh off a 48-win season and led by a coach and front office with championship experience, but they have young talents like Scottie Barnes that could entice Durant to make the trip up north. This move is highly unlikely, but it’s not outrageous.
The Raptors need to make anyone and everyone available if it means they can secure arguably the best scorer in the game in Durant. Locked in until 2027, the Raptors will need to give the Nets some serious capital if Sean Marks agrees to this deal.
3 Toronto Raptors assets the Nets could acquire in a Kevin Durant trade
3. OG Anunoby
While Anunoby survived the initial swathe of rumors after Portland used the No. 7 pick on Shaedon Sharpe and Utah flipped Rudy Gobert to Minnesota, he would almost assuredly be on the move. If the Nets want an All-Star and another starter, Anunoby could fill half of that quota.
Anunoby is fresh off averaging 17.1 points per game despite a relative lack of shots while overcoming injuries and providing elite defense at multiple positions. If the Nets are going to blow it up, getting Anunoby back could help keep them somewhat competitive.
Toronto Raptors: OG Anunoby would need to be traded for Kevin Durant.
Anunoby has one of the best contracts in the league, which could give a Nets team that could still contend on the back of an unexpectedly large Durant/Irving windfall a player who can come right in and produce. Anunoby remains the most tradeable piece Toronto has to their name.
OG is likely going to stay in Toronto, but he would probably have to be thrown into the KD package for salary-matching and competitive purposes. Anunoby is a fantastic player, but no player should be considered 100% untouchable if Durant is on the waiver wire.