Could Raptors explore a Kevin Durant trade?

Could Raptors explore a Kevin Durant trade?

The Toronto Raptors won fewer than 35 games for the only the third time since 2012-13. But with a rising core, led by Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley, general manager Masai Ujiri could be looking to take a big swing this offseason.

Making a seismic trade isn’t unfamiliar territory for Ujiri. We know that they may explore the market for Giannis Antetokounmpo–Ujiri appears willing to do anything to land the Greek superstar–but could Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant also be in play? According to NBA insider Marc Stein, many around the NBA believe that to be the case.

“But Toronto has likewise been painted by numerous NBA figures as a potential trade suitor for Durant,” Stein wrote, according to Bleacher Report. “The Raptors, furthermore, would figure to have a more realistic shot at assembling a competitive trade offer for Durant compared to the mammoth offers that the Bucks would inevitably seek for Antetokounmpo’s services. The Greek Freak also happens to be six years younger than Durant, is still playing at an MVP level and, most crucially, has two more guaranteed years left on his contract.”

Durant, 36, averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists on 52.7 percent shooting and 43.0 percent from 3-point range. He’ll be entering the final year of his contract at $54.7 million.

Toronto, meanwhile, is coming off a 30-win season, and is far more than just one piece away from contending with or without Durant. The Raptors have roughly $8 million in room before the first apron and $20 million away from the punitive second apron.

I wouldn’t be surprised if they wanted to take a swing. They acquired Brandon Ingram at the deadline and will have multiple tradable–albeit questionable–contracts (RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, Ochai Agbaji, Gradey Dick) they can attempt to move.

Durant’s price is far from being as lofty as Antetokounmpo’s, making him the more attainable. But does he fit their timeline? Absolutely not. This is a young team, and Durant’s in the twilight of his career; he should aim to join a team that’s on the precipice of contending, and the Raptors aren’t one of those team,s respectfully.

Do you think the Raptors should target Durant? Let us know in the comments!

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