The latest odds from DraftKings for which team would acquire Kevin Durant have the Toronto Raptors leaping into the second-favored role at -250 behind the Phoenix Suns (-130), who reportedly are Durant's preferred landing spot. The Raptors weren't considered an early favorite, but if they are willing to trade reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes to Brooklyn, a deal could get done soon. Bettors at Caesars Sportsbook think something might be up with Toronto as it is down to +2500 to win the 2023 NBA title. But don't rule out KD staying put, either.
Since last Thursday, only the Lakers (27 percent) and Suns (13 percent) have taken more handle than Raptors (11 percent) to win it all next year. Toronto had been priced +6000 before that surge of action. The Phoenix money also has a lot to do with Durant, while the Los Angeles action is about Kyrie Irving.
Never doubt Raptors vice chairman and president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri. He was the one who brought Kawhi Leonard to Toronto and won the Raptors a championship a few years ago. Ujiri is one of the best in the business and paid as such at a reported $15 million per year.
Toronto has all its first-round picks the rest of the decade, but Barnes, the No. 4 overall pick in 2021, is supposedly off the table. A trade of former All-Star Pascal Siakam and excellent two-way forward OG Anunoby for Durant (and many picks) would work salary-wise. Even if the Raptors wanted to trade Barnes, his $7.6 million salary is so cheap that it would make a deal quite difficult.