How This Trade Impacts Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors have shown in the past that they will not hesitate to pull off a trade as long as it improves their chances of winning no matter the long-term impact it may have on the franchise.
They famously took a chance on Kawhi Leonard despite him being on an expiring contract and he helped lead Toronto to the NBA Championship.
They would certainly hope for a similar outcome by adding Kevin Durant to the mix. While Durant isn’t on an expiring contract, as he has four guaranteed seasons on his deal, there would still be a risk in acquiring him. His trade request this offseason shows that if things aren’t going exactly how he wants, there is a risk that he will ask out, putting the Raptors in a tough spot.
But, the impact that Durant would have on the on-court results would be too much to pass up. With Durant in the lineup, the Raptors would likely be instant contenders in the Eastern Conference. They gave the Philadelphia 76ers all they could handle this year despite their deficiencies.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets & Toronto Raptors Updates
A quartet of Fred VanVleet, Scottie Barnes Jr., Durant, and Pascal Siakam would certainly be a lot for opponents to handle. Precious Achiuwa, Otto Porter Jr., Thaddeus Young, and Chris Boucher are solid complementary pieces as well.
This trade would leave Toronto thin at the shooting guard spot, which is concerning. However, as contenders, there should be some veterans willing to sign a minimum contract to fill out the rotation.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets & Toronto Raptors Updates
Trading first-round picks that far down the road is always risky, but the Raptors core is just entering their primes now. In 5 years when the last first-rounder is conveying, they should still be competitive with some guys entering the back portion of their primes, while Barnes and Achiuwa won’t even be at their prime years yet.
