The Toronto Raptors finished the 2024-25 regular season with a 30-52 record and missed the playoffs for the fourth time in the past five seasons. However, despite their team struggles, the future may be looking brighter in Toronto.
In addition to having a young core led by one-time All-Star Scottie Barnes, the Raptors also have the No. 9 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. The Raptors could keep the pick and add to their young core, or they could use it to swing a deal that could change their status in the Eastern Conference.
Nothing is official yet, but NBA insider Jake Fischer recently predicted that the Raptors could trade their draft pick this year (subscription required), and it directly correlates with recent news surrounding Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant.
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35).
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35).
Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
After two-and-a-half seasons in Phoenix, many expect Durant to be on the move this offseason. The Suns star has been linked to numerous teams regarding a possible trade, including the Raptors, who ESPN's Brian Windhorst said are "lurking" in his sweepstakes.
Following Windhorst's report, Fischer made a prediction that the Raptors could trade their draft pick, and while he did not outright say it, the team's willingness to move their pick could be related to Durant.
"The Raptors' No. 9 pick is also increasingly viewed as perhaps the most likely top-10 pick in the draft to be traded. My sense is that Toronto would prefer to simply trade down rather than trade out of the first-round completely," Fischer wrote. "Perhaps there is some swap potential in a deal with Phoenix and the Suns' No. 29 overall selection."
This past season, Durant appeared in 62 games for the Suns. In those games, he averaged 26.6 points, 6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks.
Though his best days are behind him, the 36-year-old still provides a lot of value on the court. For a team like the Raptors, landing Durant would immediately improve their team and make them legitimate playoff contenders for next season.