One reason Kevin Durant should consider every NBA team

May 30, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Billy Donovan (left) instructs forward Kevin Durant (35) during the fourth quarter in game seven of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 96-88. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 28, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) heads up court against the Toronto Raptors at the Air Canada Centre. Oklahoma City defeated Toronto 119-100. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Toronto Raptors – Taking over Canada

The Toronto Raptors just enjoyed the best season in franchise history. While the Raptors fell short against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals, it was easily the deepest playoff run for Canada’s team, and with Kyle Lowry and Jonas Valanciunas back for another run, there is reason to believe in the Raptors long-term.

Still, there is some feeling of “ceiling” with this team, especially if they elect to sign DeMar DeRozan to a massive contract. In order to grab Durant, the Raptors would almost certainly have to lose DeRozan, but that would be a no-brainer decision, and in one fell swoop, Toronto would transition from fringe contender to a team that no one wants to be bothered with in a playoff setting.

Lowry is an elite point guard at this stage, Valanciunas is an emerging big (on a great contract) and Durant would provide the shooting and firepower that this team needs. Moreover, he is a much better defender than DeRozan and with DeMarre Carroll healthy for 2016-2017, this would be a tantalizing core for an Eastern Conference team.

Finally, the Raptors absolutely own the entire country of Canada from an NBA perspective, giving Durant plenty of growth potential for his brand. Combining winning with brand exposure is a plus.

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