Would the Nets actually trade Kevin Durant for the Raptors’ Scottie Barnes?

The saga continues, with the Brooklyn based franchise telling their neighbors in the north that any deal for Durant must include their own star in exchange.

Nets mark territory with the Raptors and Scottie Barnes

In the two weeks that have passed since Kevin Durant rocked the basketball world with his trade request, there’s been a whole host of rumors and rants concerning the former league MVP. We’ve seen attacks from fans, subtle critique from the NBA commissioner himself as well as a cryptic social media post from the player at the center of it all. What we have not seen, however, is any clear indication as to where this is all going to end. That is, until now.

With Durant having previously stated his preferred destinations which included the Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns, it may come as a moderate surprise that the Nets might be willing to listen to an offer from the Toronto Raptors, but make no mistake, there is a strict condition. According to reports, having found the varying trade packages offered to be unsuitable, it now appears that the Nets may in fact be interested in an exchange with the Toronto Raptors for the 12-time NBA All-Star, however said deal would have to include reigning Rookie of the Year winner Scottie Barnes. It should be said, that Toronto recently stated that a Barnes trade would be a “non-starter.” Could things be about to change?

What’s at stake for the Nets and Raptors?

To be clear, Kevin Durant is not just one of the best players of the modern era, but one of the best in NBA history. With that in mind, one can understand completely why the Nets would be willing to wait for the best possible offer. Even more important, is the fact that Durant has four years remaining on his contract which makes his trade request all the more controversial. Yet, the truth is that any team that Durant joins will be an overnight contender for a title. Again, one can understand the Nets position.

This of course, brings us to the Toronto Raptors. At 20 years old, Barnes has already turned heads even though he’s just coming into his own. With that in mind, it shouldn’t take long to understand why the franchise is intent on building around him. Indeed, the Raptors have already started to do that with the likes of Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr. and OG Anunoby. They’ve also got themselves a healthy selection of Draft picks, which only serves to push the point that they could well offer the Nets something they want. Should this scenario continue to press on, expect some kind of ground to be given, but to whom is the question. In case you forgot, reports not long ago suggested the Miami Heat as a very real potential destination, while the Suns with their recent Deandre Ayton signing have dropped out of the race. Watch this space!