Brooklyn Nets Receive: G Fred VanVleet, F OG Anunoby, F Scottie Barnes, 2023 First-Round Pick (TOR)

Toronto Raptors Receive: F Kevin Durant

Assembling a Durant-to-Toronto deal is deceptively difficult.

Again, we’re not in the business of constructing Durant deals that leave the opposing team too threadbare to contend. That would be pointless for the team acquiring him.

At the same time, the Nets, again, have no incentive to tank. In all likelihood, they’d be asking for Pascal Siakam. Yet, the Raptors probably aren’t playing for the championship unless they’re pairing Durant with the star wing. In other words, our heads spun for some time before we landed on this package.

We do think it’s a fair compromise. The Nets are landing three high-quality players in this package. VanVleet is a low-end All-Star and Anunoby is a clear-cut starter. Meanwhile, Scottie Barnes has the upside to eventually round into the Nets’ new franchise player.

LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant Trade Wish-List: Phoenix Suns No. 1, Miami Heat No. 2

Meanwhile, the Raptors get to keep their former best player and add their new best one. All told, this feels like a deal that could satisfy both sides.