For a brief window of time this off-season, it seemed like a distinct possibility. Kevin Durant to the Toronto Raptors.
Durant’s trade demand and ensuing saga dogged the summer months, and the Raptors were almost continuously in the inner circle of possible landing spots. With a bevy of valued forwards and all their draft picks, it was a great partner for Brooklyn to barter with. There was nearly a landmark franchise trade in place.
In the end, the Nets wanted too much — a story that played out with every team they talked to. Right or wrong, the package of picks and any inclusion of Scottie Barnes was too steep for Masai Ujiri and Toronto’s braintrust, so the conversation ended.