The Toronto Raptors emerged as a potential suitor for the Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant, who demanded out of Brooklyn prior to the start of the 2022 NBA free agency. Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Raptors are “lurking” and are ready to enter KD’s sweepstakes.
“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… Masai Ujiri, you saw the chance he took on Kawhi Leonard,” Woj said.
The Miami Heat and the Phoenix Suns also emerged as potential destinations with Phoenix being Durant’s preferred destination. Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro has already reported that the Brooklyn Nets are not seeking Deandre Ayton in a deal.
However, according to Michael Grange of SportsNet, the Raptors feel that no other team can beat them when it comes to the offer they can put forward to acquire KD. The Raptors have “win-now” and future assets to offer.
The Nets are certainly going to demand a king’s ransom to conclude a deal for Durant as they’re also negotiating a trade around Kyrie Irving with the Los Angeles Lakers being referred as potential destinations.
As reported earlier, Brooklyn wants a young player and at least three first-round picks in any package for the star forward. It will be interesting to see the package Toronto can put together, starting potentially with either Pascal Siakam or Fred VanVleet.
Grange also reports Kevin Durant is at least open to the possibility of playing in Toronto. It remains to be seen if the Raptors are willing to part ways with important parts of their roster, then the 11-time All-Star might going up north.
