Google News NBA insider explains why Raptors could make strong run at Kevin Durant
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NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski thinks the Toronto Raptors are the team that could make a strong run for Kevin Durant as he believes they can put up a trade package that would satisfy the Brooklyn Nets. Last week, Durant requested a trade from the Nets and the team is willing to accomodate his request - if the right deal comes.
Durant reportedly told the Nets his preffered teams were the Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns but the Nets intend to trade Durant to the team which gives them the best offer. “I think a team that’s lurking is Toronto.
They have all the kinds of pieces that you would want and their picks to do a deal for Kevin Durant,” Wojnarowski said, per Nets Daily. “And they have an organization, a leader in Masai Ujiri — you certainly saw the chance he took on Kawhi Leonard with one year left on his deal.
How far are the Raptors willing to go in an offer to Brooklyn? Would they offer Scottie Barnes? I think that’s a player who under almost any circumstances they would not want to part with. But having him on their roster, Pascal Siakam, all the other talented players, contracts that might match up.
I think you keep watching Toronto to see how involved they might get for Kevin Durant”.
The Raptors want Durant but don't want to give Scottie Barnes
ESPN insider Zach Lowe agrees with Wojnarowski that the Raptors are probably the team that can give the most in return for Durant.
Barnes, who was named the Rookie of the Year this past season, is a player that could be really intriguing to the Nets. “I’ve been saying for a week my first phone call if I’m Sean Marks is to the Toronto Raptors to see if I can get Scottie Barnes,” Lowe said.
“Because all I’m doing in canvassing the league for the best under-23 players in the league and looking at what team has them and what teams can trade them and other stuff to me and have enough left over in the cupboard for Kevin Durant to look around and say, ‘Okay, I can still win here.’ However, Brian Levis of The New York Post reported that the Raptors are not willing to include Barnes in any trade talks, not even for Durant.
The Raptors tried to sign Durant several times in the past and they will probably make a run at Durant once again.
