A new report reveals the surprising reason why the Toronto Raptors will fail to make a Kevin Durant trade this summer.
“Toronto — initially presumed to be willing to part with Jakob Poeltl if it meant landing Durant — maintains now that it would not even surrender Poeltl in a deal for the future Hall of Famer,” the Stein Line reported on Friday night.
While they are not viewed as a favorite, the Raptors have been viewed as one of the dark horses in the Durant trade sweepstakes. One of the key reasons is that the franchise is open to bringing in the 15-time All-Star despite no guarantees that he will return after the 2025-26.
Related: Phoenix Suns may have misled Minnesota Timberwolves in previous Kevin Durant trade talks
However, recent rumblings have suggested the various contenders in the chase for the future Hall of Famer have been conservative with their offers because of Durant’s age and his impending free agency after next season. This stance from Toronto may also indicate they are unwilling to offer up a lot of key assets in a trade package for the Phoenix Suns forward.
The Stein Line also offered up further proof on how high the Raptors are on the 29-year-old big man. “It remains to be seen how firm that stance is. But league sources say that the Raptors and their very underrated center have mutual interest in hammering out a contract extension if no trade intervenes.”
Furthermore, the outlet claims that Toronto has a serious interest in being part of any blockbuster Durant trade. Even if they don’t get the well-aged superstar back in the deal.
“The Raptors, as we’ve seen during various recent transaction windows, aren’t merely a Durant suitor. But have indicated they’re open to various trades in conjunction with a Durant deal as next week’s draft approaches,” Stein Line reports. “Toronto continues to signal that it’s open to moving down from No. 9 in Wednesday’s first-round order, sources say. While the Raptors have also made calls to determine what it would take to obtain a second lottery pick.”
Related: Three teams reportedly ‘one or two’ pieces away from completing Kevin Durant trade
After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka ... More about Jason Burgos