The Toronto Raptors have renewed their pursuit of a high-profile one-year rental by entering Kevin Durant trade talks with Toronto Raptors, aiming to secure the Phoenix Suns star ahead of the upcoming NBA season. Their offer reportedly includes either RJ Barrett or Immanuel Quickley, accompanied by possible additional assets, signaling the franchise’s readiness to shake up its roster significantly.
According to Brett Seigel of Clutchpoints, the Raptors’ proposal is competitive but faces stiff competition as the Suns remain patient, awaiting a superior offer from teams Durant favors, including the Miami Heat.
Even though the Raptors’ offer of either RJ Barrett or Immanuel Quickley alongside potentially Jakob Poeltl and draft picks is enticing, it is the [Miami] Heat that league personnel are signaling as the team with a better chance at a deal,
—Brett Seigel, NBA Insider
Core Raptors Players Up for Trade in Pursuit of Superstar Upgrade
The Raptors have placed two of their key starters, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, on the trade block in a bold move to attract Kevin Durant. The pair were previously part of a notable return package for OG Anunoby in December 2023, with Quickley recently securing a five-year, $175 million extension after stepping up as the Raptors’ lead point guard following Fred VanVleet’s departure.
Barrett, a promising Canadian wing and a former No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, delivered an impressive performance last season, averaging 21.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists while shooting 46.8% from the field. He will become eligible for a new contract extension following the upcoming year.
Quickley averaged 17.1 points and 5.8 assists last season and boasts a 37.5% career average from beyond the arc. His skill set fits what the Suns are seeking, alongside the Raptors’ 7-foot center Jakob Poeltl, who remains a trade candidate if it secures Durant’s acquisition.
Several league figures with knowledge of the Raptors’ thinking have likewise asserted that they could show a willingness to move center Jakob Poeltl as well … provided that the trade in question brought back Durant,
—Jake Fischer, NBA Insider
Poeltl attracted interest from multiple teams at the trade deadline, including the Los Angeles Lakers, but the Raptors have held firm, only willing to part with the center if it results in landing Durant.
Durant’s Preferred Teams and Raptors’ Championship Experience Influence Trade Dynamics
Despite the Raptors’ aggressive offer, they are reportedly not on Kevin Durant’s preferred list of destinations, which includes the Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, and Houston Rockets. Durant aims to find a team where he can commit to a long-term extension after his current contract ends.
Durant has one year left on a four-year, $190 million contract, with a $54.7 million salary for the upcoming season. Following a trade, he can sign an extension for two years and approximately $112 million, or even more if he delays the extension by six months, potentially increasing its value to $124 million over two years, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The Raptors’ history with similar gambles adds context to this situation; they successfully won their first NBA championship in 2019 by trading for Kawhi Leonard on a one-year rental, showing their willingness to bet on short-term high-impact players.
Though the Heat, Spurs, and Rockets currently hold leverage in negotiations by not rushing to meet the Suns’ high asking price, the Raptors still hope to capitalize if no better offer materializes.
The Suns know, if they are going to trade Durant, they clearly have a price threshold they want met. I had one team tell me today it’s kinda a game of chicken at this point,
—Shams Charania, ESPN Senior NBA Insider
Potential Outcomes and Impact of the Trade Talks
If the Raptors succeed in acquiring Kevin Durant, it would represent a significant roster upgrade and a strategic gamble to contend for another championship. However, given Durant’s lack of preference for Toronto and the Suns’ high demands, the negotiation remains highly complex.
The unfolding talks highlight how critical roster decisions, player contracts, and team preferences shape the NBA landscape each offseason. The Raptors’ willingness to part with key starters like Barrett, Quickley, and possibly Poeltl underscores their commitment to pursuing immediate success with a superstar.
As the Suns await offers from Miami, San Antonio, and Houston, the Raptors stand ready to act swiftly if their bold proposal becomes the top option, potentially altering the league’s balance of power for the 2024 season.