In Toronto, Raptors President Masai Ujiri finds himself seriously contemplating the future of his franchise. With cats like Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, Scottie Barnes, OG Anunoby, and Gary Trent Jr., the Raptors have a solid core of young stars and veterans who can keep the team competitive for years to come.
But what good is being a top 8 team in the East if it doesn’t lead to a championship? That line of thinking matches the mindset of Masai Ujiri, who has never been afraid to make a bold/risky move.
According to Michael Grange of Sportsnet, there is a sense that Ujiri could make a move for Durant in the coming days/weeks, and the Raptors will be able to make a pretty strong offer.
“I can confirm that not only are the Raptors ‘lurking,’ but they also feel they can put together the best package of assets the Brooklyn Nets are likely to get. Confidence isn’t the word for it, but optimism might be. There is also a sense – though it’s reading tea leaves at this stage, as teams can’t communicate directly with Durant, who remains under contract with the Nets – that the two-time champion and 11-time all-NBA force of nature is at least open to the possibility of playing in Toronto.”
While Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam remain Toronto’s most valuable trade assets, they might be able to bring in Durant without giving up either player.
An offer of Gary Trent Jr., OG Anunoby, Thaddeus Young, and multiple future first-round picks is quite a haul, especially if the Nets are looking to add young players and picks.
If not, they might have to offer even more if they want to outbid the other Durant suitors. Either way, we will find out how much the Raptors are willing to give up in these KD sweepstakes.
