As the NBA offseason drags on, only one name continues to hand over fans’ heads – Kevin Durant. The superstar requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets and now everyone is anxiously waiting to see what team he suits up for next.
While an initial list came out that included the Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat, other teams like the Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, and even the Golden State Warriors came up as potential possibilities.
Each of those teams does have a chance to land Durant, but wouldn’t it be even more fun to see him end up on a team that no one predicted beforehand?
Why not shake up the league entirely? Here are three NBA trades that would see Durant land on a team that no one is expected by the start of next season.
NBA Trades: 3 Kevin Durant trades to unexpected teams: Toronto Raptors
Raptors receive: Kevin Durant
Nets receive: Pascal Siakam, OG Anuonoby, 2023 1st-Round Pick, 2025 1st-Round Pick, 2027 1st-Round Pick, 2029 1st-Round Pick
The Raptors have actually come up in rumors over the past day or so, with reports indicating that Durant may actually welcome a trade to Toronto, which would probably make them favorites to win it all.
Adding Durant to a roster of Fred VanVleet, Scottie Barnes, Gary Trent Jr., Chris Boucher, and other depth would immediately put them in the upper echelon of the NBA.
On the flip side, the Nets would get some necessary assets to remain a competitive team in the Eastern Conference. Siakam is an All-Star, and with the right opportunities, Anunoby could blossom into someone that’s close to making an All-Star team.
The sticking point in this deal for both sides would likely be Barnes. Toronto would definitely want to keep him, but Brooklyn would likely demand him in any Durant deal.