NBA trade rumors: Ranking the teams most likely to land Kevin Durant
By Josh Wilson
Teams most likely to acquire Kevin Durant: The possibles
These teams have a good chance of getting a deal done, but will need to put together a strong package that’s better than the field.
5. Toronto Raptors
Charania included the Raptors among the three teams with the most “serious” chance at landing Durant. We have them a bit lower on this list.
The main reason is that the Raptors are unwilling to include Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes in a package.
Toronto has an interesting stockpile of players that could be considered “win-now”, but it takes a little bit of creativity to see how they would replace what Brooklyn gets from Durant if Barnes isn’t included. Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and Fred VanVleet could all be involved in the discussion.
4. Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies were a bit of a shock team to see reported in Monday’s column.
They launch up the rankings for me because they are a recent inclusion in the list of teams on the line for Durant, so whatever new and flashy items they can offer Brooklyn could stick out beyond the same combinations of players they’ve heard about from other teams for months.
What pulls Memphis back to four is that they’re unwilling to part ways with Jaren Jackson Jr. or Desmond Bane, per Charania. The desire to engage in trade talks but give up few meaningful players is a persistent theme among nearly all teams going after Durant.