Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal

On the other hand, this one is a no-brainer for the Toronto Raptors. Deciding against doing this trade would be malpractice.

The opportunity to keep Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam while adding Durant is far too enticing for them to pass on. Even if Barnes doesn’t make a significant sophomore leap, they’ll be legitimate title contenders in 2022-23.

If he does, they’ll be overwhelming favorites.

Imagine trying to contain Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes in transition with Durant trailing for an open three. You might as well quit and conserve energy for the inevitable defensive possession. In half-court sets, the Raptors would likely continue to leverage Siakam’s progress as a playmaker. He could be the primary ball-handler in sets that are ultimately designed to get the ball to Durant.

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If they don’t, they should find Fred VanVleet. That’s a pretty good consolation prize. It’s not hard to envision a world where the Raptors, after finalizing this deal, are the best team in the NBA.