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3 teams who could beat Raptors’ best offer for Kevin Durant

By Mike Luciano

TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 27: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the second half of a game against the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 27: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the second half of a game against the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors, Precious Achiuwa
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 25: Precious Achiuwa #5 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles past Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

The Toronto Raptors are still hanging around as they try to figure out a way to coax the Brooklyn Nets into parting ways with Kevin Durant. After KD reiterated his trade request to owner Joe Tsai, those who want to pilfer him away are coming back out of the woodwork.

The Raptors have plenty of assets to give to Brooklyn, with OG Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr. looking like players who could entice the Nets to trade Durant without ultimately hampering Toronto’s long-term goals. However, the Raptors appear to be at an impasse with Brooklyn.

Masai Ujiri is (rightly) refusing to include Scottie Barnes in any talks with the Nets, opening the door for teams more willing to part with some of their young talents. When a player like Durant is available, teams will likely make all but the most essential pieces available for trade.

The Raptors need to be very wary of these three competitors, as they will likely be the trio of teams most likely to snatch Durant away from them. These three teams might be more willing than Toronto will be to go all-in and mortgage the future for Durant.

Toronto Raptors: 3 teams who can trade for Kevin Durant.

3. Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers seem like the last place that KD was going to go due to his friction with James Harden. However, amid reports from Frank Isola that claim Durant would be open to playing in Philadelphia, the Raptors need to regard the 76ers as a legitimate threat for Durant’s services.

Tobias Harris would assuredly head back to Brooklyn, giving the Nets the win-now veteran they are craving. While Tyrese Maxey, like Barnes, is viewed as one of the best young prospects in the Eastern Conference, Daryl Morey would have no qualms about trading him for a player like KD.

Toronto Raptors: The 76ers will try to get Kevin Durant.

The difference between Ujiri and Morey is the admirable aggression the 76ers head honcho likes to display. If he wants a player (Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook), he’s going to construct the most bonkers trade idea possible to load up his roster with talent.

An offer of Harris, Maxey, an amalgamation of bench players, and whatever draft control Philly has left to surrender could be the difference-maker for a Nets team looking for a game-breaking haul. The Raptors might not be able to compete with someone that motivated.