Will Raptors-Kevin Durant rumors restart after meeting with owner?

The Toronto Raptors have never really been out of the picture when it comes to acquiring Nets superstar Kevin Durant in trade talks, even though Brooklyn has been holding firm in their desire to get an absurd trade return in exchange for the game-changing star.

Amid reports that Toronto has been unwilling to include Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes in a package that would likely also feature Gary Trent Jr. and OG Anunoby, the Boston Celtics have reportedly jumped into the fray. Boston is reportedly dangling Jaylen Brown in these talks.

Even with some heavy hitters being mentioned as a potential landing spot for Durant, talks have moved at a glacial pace due to Brooklyn’s unwillingness to engage. That could all change if Durant makes his desire to leave the Nets perfectly clear to owner Joe Tsai.

According to Heavy.com, Durant is scheduled to meet with Tsai this week, likely to discuss the state of his trade request. Unless both parties lay down their arms and start signing Kumbaya, the trade rumors might start back up again. Could Toronto snag him?

Will the Toronto Raptors finally get Kevin Durant?

The Raptors are totally justified in their wish not to trade Barnes, Fred VanVleet, or Pascal Siakam to a division rival. Perhaps if Durant makes his intention to leave even clearer, the Nets might take Toronto’s lesser offer in order to bring an end to this saga and start over with tons of draft picks.

Even if Anunoby and Trent are dealt away, a starting lineup where VanVleet and Barnes are the third and fourth options will make for an instant contender in the Eastern Conference. Yes, Durant is getting old. That has not negated the fact that he is still one of the game’s best players.

The Raptors should hold firm in their offer to Brooklyn. On top of the fact that it is already generous given the short-term potential of names like Trent and Anunoby, in addition to years of draft control, it might be the most realistic offer on the table if the Celtics take Brown off the market.

If Durant and Tsai somehow reconcile and the request to be moved is rescinded, the Raptors need not panic. They have a solid young core that will help them eventually compete for a championship, and they shouldn’t feel scorned if a gargantuan trade can’t get worked out.