Even though the idea of trading Kevin Durant for one of the biggest hauls in NBA history is seeming less likely by the day, the Toronto Raptors remain one of the most fervent teams in the KD chase. The idea of adding one of the greatest players iN NBA history will undoubtedly appeal to Masai Ujiri.
The Raptors are one of the few teams across the league who could give the Nets a collection of picks and players that could suit them without completely breaking their future. Even though they are in the division, they could provide Brooklyn with the assets they crave so much.
The Raptors have been mentioned as one of Durant’s biggest fans in addition to another rival Eastern Conference squad in the Miami Heat and a Suns team that would love to bring Durant to Phoenix. Until Durant himself rescinds his trade request, Sean Marks’ phone is going to get regularly blown up.
The Raptors have a trade offer and post-trade situation that is easily more appealing to both Durant and the Nets. They can outbid all three of these competing teams and win the admiration of Durant’s camp. KD in red and black wouldn’t look too bad in our opinion.
1 reason the Toronto Raptors can outbid 3 teams in Kevin Durant talks.
New Orleans Pelicans: KD doesn’t want them
The Pelicans could theoretically make a very enticing package. Not only do they have a surplus of picks due to the Anthony Davis trade, but they have young stars like Brandon Ingram and proven veterans like CJ McCollum. Why isn’t the idea of pairing Durant with Zion Williamson being talked about enough?
The latest report from HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto hints that Durant doesn’t have any interest in playing in New Orleans. Even though Durant may not have as much leverage as he thinks, the fact that he can threaten to sit out if traded to New Orleans could inhibit their ability to trade for him.
The Toronto Raptors may appeal to KD more than the Pelicans.
Contrary to what Chris Broussard might think, Toronto could be an excellent environment for Durant both on and off the court. Marquee stars have often turned Toronto down when given a chance to sign long-term extensions, but Durant might be able to buck that trend.
While New Orleans is far from NBA Siberia, it’s a far cry from ready-made contenders like Toronto, Phoenix, or Miami. If the Raptors can woo Durant and Rich Kleiman with their combination of on-court excellence and off-court business plan, KD may OK a trade there over NOLA.
Miami Heat: Lack of tradeable assets
The Nets can not acquire a second rookie-scale extension contract via trade, and Ben Simmons is already taking up Brooklyn’s spot. This means that Miami would be unable to trade Bam Adebayo to Brooklyn as the headliner that sells the Nets on their KD return.
With Bam gone, Miami’s best players include two greybeards in Jimmy Butler and the declining Kyle Lowry. Tyler Herro is a promising youngster, but he is a terrible defender and redundant next to Joe Harris and Seth Curry. Duncan Robinson isn’t moving the needle like OG Anunoby would.
The Toronto Raptors could outbid the Miami Heat.
While it would be heartbreaking to see a star like Pascal Siakam or Fred VanVleet go, Toronto at least has the flexibility needed to keep one of them to play alongside Durant. Even players like Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr. could be more valuable to Brooklyn than someone like Robinson.
The Heat are built to win now, but they aren’t as willing to absorb a superstar acquisition like this as they may have been in the past. If Brooklyn wants to maximize their return, Miami is just not built to satisfy them right now.
Phoenix Suns: The Deandre Ayton situation
Like Adebayo, Devin Booker can’t be traded to Brooklyn due to Simmons. Ayton is without question the best asset that the Suns could flip to the Nets. Still, his restricted free agency is making a sign and trade even more difficult to pull off than initially anticipated.
The Pacers are trying to sign Ayton to an offer sheet that may help him land with Indiana. If that happens, not only could Ayton bolt for the Hoosier State, but it would effectively take Phoenix out of the Durant running. Toronto’s offer would look even better.
The Phoenix Suns may lose Kevin Durant to the Toronto Raptors.
Cam Johnson and Mikal Bridges are excellent players, but they aren’t headliners in a Durant package. Anunoby and Trent, in addition to a collection of draft picks, would make for a much rosier Nets outlook, as the short-term scoring punch they can provide would be excellent.
Phoenix might be able to land Durant if they can pull off some shenanigans with multiple teams getting involved, but if Brooklyn fancies a two=party deal, the Raptors are better equipped. The Suns may not want Ayton back, but he could hurt them in the KD chase.