3 reasons Raptors can't lose Scottie Barnes in Kevin Durant trade

3 reasons Raptors can’t lose Scottie Barnes in Kevin Durant trade

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 07: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets puts up a shot over Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on November 7, 2021 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /

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WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 21: Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

2. Contract flexibility

The Raptors are going to be put in a tough spot financially if they acquire Durant. On top of the fact that they have to deal with max contract money for the next four years in addition to Siakam’s deal, KD could make it more challenging for Toronto to adequately compensate some of their role players.

A potential Fred VanVleet extension could get even more complex. If one of either Gary Trent Jr. or OG Anunoby is somehow not traded in the Durant deal, giving them a long-term extension will be even tougher to pull off. What about role players like Precious Achiuwa? Barnes being on a rookie deal is a valuable asset.

The Raptors can build around Scottie Barnes and Kevin Durant.

In a perfect world that likely will not happen, the Rookie of the Year will be ready to take over the mantle of leader from Durant and Siakam by the time Toronto needs to give him that max extension. Giving up a star on a rookie deal is the height of irresponsibility.

Be it adding a buyout target on a cheaper short-term deal or allowing Toronto to bring in ring-chasers in the offseason, Barnes’ relative cheapness when compared to some of Toronto’s other heavy hitters will help the Raptors improve despite two big names eating up most of their cap.

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