The Raptors are considered by “numerous NBA figures” to be a potential suitor for Suns star Kevin Durant, Jake Fischer reports for The Stein Line (Substack link), especially if their well-documented interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo doesn’t come to fruition.
Fischer writes that the pieces the Raptors have assembled would make for a more realistic trade package for Durant, who is not expected to receive an extension from the team that trades for him, than for Antetokounmpo. If the Bucks star reaches the market, the trade packages teams will put together could put the Raptors out of the running, but with Phoenix likely looking to stay competitive around Devin Booker, the Raptors’ collection of young veterans could prove enticing.
Fischer points to Raptors’ president Masai Ujiri‘s aggressiveness in trading for Kawhi Leonard in 2018, which led to a championship, though this version of the Raptors roster is much less ready to win now than that one was. That said, the team did pursue Durant in 2022, Fischer writes, and there’s a belief that the Raptors have some internal pressure to take real steps forward this coming season. That could lead to the team shopping RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, and others.
We have more from the Atlantic Division:
- The Celtics are facing an offseason that will require some serious introspection to figure out which players should be retained until Jayson Tatum eventually returns from his torn Achilles, SI’s Chris Mannix said during an NBC Sports Boston appearance. The most likely player to be moved, according to Mannix, is backup wing Sam Hauser. Hauser, an excellent shooter and decent defender, is entering the first season of a four-year, $45MM contract extension, a deal that would cost the team significantly more in luxury tax penalties if he remains on the roster. Mannix adds that rookie Baylor Scheierman could be tapped to fill in Hauser’s role if coach Joe Mazzulla thinks Scheierman ready for it.
- After a down year, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer doesn’t rule out the Sixers attempting to move one of Joel Embiid or Paul George if the team’s struggles continue. However, those contracts are likely to be difficult to trade, given their size and length. Within the same mailbag, Pompey fields a question about the idea of drafting Khaman Maluach with the No. 3 pick, noting that going that route would be an indication that the 76ers have more concern about Embiid’s future than they’ve indicated to this point. Pompey doesn’t view it as a likely scenario.
- The Nets have conducted pre-draft workouts for Johni Broome (Auburn), Taelon Peter (Liberty University), and Wade Taylor IV (Texas A&M), according to Nets Daily (via Twitter). While the latter two players are viewed as undrafted free agent targets, Broome is considered a likely late-first or second-round pick. The 6’10” SEC Player of the Year and All-American averaged 18.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game for Auburn during his senior year.
How about this?
76ers get Simons, Robert Williams and Thybulle
Blazers get Paul George and #3
76ers save $12 million, on this deal, then match Crimes offer starting at $17 million
Both teams don’t need to pay taxes
Blazers don’t want George but are interested in #3
This is bad, even by your standards
The C’s roster was created to be broken apart after next season. I think they will pretty much run it back. The guys most often mentioned in rumors have no surplus value except D white who is on a team friendly deal.Porzingis and Holliday aren;t bringing back positive trade value. outside of a Giannis mega trade, C’s look the same and hope Tatum is back for the playoffs.
That’s what i would think too but you never know with Stevens. I could see a Holiday deal that brings back expiring contracts because they have to create some cap space going forward.
Embiid’s flopping, injury faking, and contract makes him a negative value player. Worst MVP ever.
Durant is in his last productive yrs. At 36 I’m sure he wants to go to a team that can contend for next few yrs. Raptors don’t fit the bill. After the players they will give up. Raptors are still young and have a great pick coming. They should concentrate on draft. Then see where this team is at TD next yr.
In this draft the Nets have four 1st rd picks and one 2nd rd pick. This 2025 NBA draft is considered a deep draft. Where realistically all 5 picks can produce rotation players. Out of their total 5 picks. Three are from the Knicks from the Bridges trade. Those are picks #19, #26, #36. Nets looking at Broome a solid PF prospect. If he was 19 yrs old would probably be a lottery pick. Just crazy shxx right. Probably be there at #26. Knicks sure could use him !!!!!
Nets have the assets to move up for another lottery pick. Like Jakucionis or Sorber. Both worth it imo. Bulls should not let Sorber get by them. If Nets can get Maluach and Jakucionis. They can be the foundation of this team. A big true PG and a true 2way big Center. Both 19 yr olds with hugggggge upside. Both have positional size.