The NBA is going to lift the free agency moratorium today, meaning teams can officially sign players to new contracts later this afternoon. Up until now, everything was agreed to in principle, so things could still change until pen is put to paper.
There may be a few adjustments to deals as teams put themselves in the best position to acquire Brooklyn Nets superstar Kevin Durant. Durant requested a trade hours before the moratorium began and rumors centered around him have dominated the headlines since.
The focus on his trade request makes a lot of sense as that trade will change the landscape of the league. Whoever acquires him will become a contender but it will not come cheap. Brooklyn is looking for All-Star players and a ton of draft picks in return for him.
Over half of the league has reportedly placed a call to the Nets to get negotiations started. Durant’s preference is to land with the Phoenix Suns or Miami Heat, but the Nets have no obligation to honor that request. They are going to accept the best deal that they receive regardless of which team it comes from.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Toronto Raptors Confident They Have Best Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant Trade Offer
One team that has constantly been mentioned as a potential landing spot is the Toronto Raptors. They have been labeled as ‘lurking’ in trade negotiations and there is a belief that they can have the smoothest transaction with the Nets as other teams won’t have to be included. The Raptors also believe they have the strongest trade package to offer.
But, that trade package won’t include at least one player. According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, the Raptors are unwilling to include Scottie Barnes Jr. in trade negotiations for Durant. The reigning Rookie of the Year being deemed untouchable isn’t too surprising. He is a great player and with trade rumors involving OG Anunoby swirling, Toronto wants to keep the No. 4 overall pick from the 2021 NBA Draft.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Toronto Raptors Confident They Have Best Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant Trade Offer
Barnes is the crown jewel in any negotiations with the Raptors. He will turn only 21 years old on August 1st and is the exact kind of player that Brooklyn is targeting. A two-way wing with a versatile skill set would be a nice addition for a shaken-up, reloaded Nets team.
