Raptors trade value tiers: Who could be traded for Kevin Durant?
By Mike Luciano
Tier 4: Feel free to take him
- Dalano Banton
- Khem Birch
- Armoni Brooks
- Malachi Flynn
- Jeff Dowtin
- Justin Champagnie
- Ron Harper Jr.
- Svi Mykhailiuk
If the Nets really want any of these players as cheap throw-ins or lottery tickets that they are willing to attempt to strike gold on, the Raptors should be willing to accommodate. The Raptors could free up space for some non-guaranteed contracts by offloading Birch and Mykhailiuk.
If any of these players is likely to interest Brooklyn (unlikely), Flynn is an excellent developmental gamble with which the Nets could work. He may have some tangible value if Brooklyn wants to focus on developing some of their younger players in a post-KD era.
The Toronto Raptors could trade these backups for Kevin Durant.
None of these players will move the needle in a trade, but they could end up being viewed in the same way the Pacers regarded the collection of role players they got from Boston in the Malcolm Brogdon deal. If they play well, great! If you don’t want them, you’re not tied to them financially.
The Raptors with Durant will be a completely different squad than the Raptors without KD. Instead of developing youngsters like Banton and Champagnie, the end of the bench will be filled by ring-chasing veterans. It’s a different look, but not outrageous.
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