The Toronto Raptors are now “painted by numerous NBA figures as a potential trade suitor” for Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant, per The Stein Line insider Jake Fischer.
With that in mind, there’s rumored to be mutual interest between the Raptors and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, Fischer reports that Toronto “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.” To that point, Antetokounmpo is several years younger and more accomplished than even Durant. Consequently, the cost of bringing Antetokounmpo to Toronto would assuredly be steep.
A trade for Durant will come at a high price too though. In fact, they would still have to trade a current franchise cornerstone.
Raptors Best Kevin Durant Trade Packages
The Scottie Barnes Package
Unlike a trade for Antetokounmpo, a deal for Durant shouldn’t come with an assumption Scottie Barnes will be a part of it. Frankly, the overlap between Barnes and Antetokounmpo’s skillsets is a gift in that it makes it easier to transition to the latter as the focal point but a curse because the offense could get clunky with them both in it. Barnes and Antetokounmpo are both multifaceted forwards who need the ball in their hands, are downhill scorers and have mediocre 3-balls.
Conversely, Durant complements Barnes quite well offensively. A supremely skilled shooter that limits the number of dribbles he takes, the Raptors should hope to pair him with their young cornerstone. However, it’s quite possible that the Suns would want Barnes because he fits their needs. They need someone to organize the offense and he’s a point forward. They need to improve their perimeter defense and he’s excellent in that area.
With that in mind, the Suns and Raptors could agree to a three-team trade for Durant.
Durant would take his talents to Toronto. Barnes and Colin Castleton would continue their careers in Phoenix. To make salaries match, Gradey Dick and A.J. Lawson and would head to the Brooklyn Nets or Detroit Pistons, teams with well over $20 million in cap space. Due to Dick’s youth and potential in particular, the Nets or Pistons may be willing to trade a first-round pick for him.
The Brandon Ingram Package
Say that the Suns opted against making Barnes the focal point of their trade package.
In that event, they would likely turn their attention to RJ Barrett or Brandon Ingram. From an overall talent perspective, there isn’t much of a gap between the two. In fact, Barrett averaged 21.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 0.7 steals per game with the Raptors, while shooting 49.7 percent from the field and 36.2 percent from 3. In Ingram’s last full season (2023-24), he averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 0.6 steals per game, while shooting 49.2 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from 3.
Ingram is more polished as a playmaker and masterful from the midrange. Barrett is a bit more prone to put his head down and drive to the rim. Neither are consistent enough on the perimeter, as shooters or defenders, but can still get the job done. If choosing between Barrett —a 6-foot-6 wing —and Ingram —a 6-foot-8 forward—Phoenix may prefer the positional fit.
With shooting guards Bradley Beal and Devin Booker both likely to return to the team next season, that means Ingram. It only helps that Ingram has enough length to play either forward position, as well as the fact he’s a career 38.3 percent shooter on corner 3s.
In this scenario, the trade parameters are the same as above, but with Ingram in Barnes’s place. Thus, Durant is sent to the Raptors. Ingram and Castleton are routed to the Suns. Additionally, Dick and Lawson head to the Nets or Pistons.
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