The Toronto Raptors are still in the hunt for Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant. Despite trade talks slowing down, the Canadian team still figures to be a prominent name in trade talks. However, should the Raps fail to get the big fish in Durant, one of his teammates could be their next target.
According to a recent report by Heavy.com‘s Sean Deveney, the Raptors are also interested in trading for Nets star Ben Simmons. Deveney's source cited the fact that the team was close to trading for the ex-Sixers star last season as well. It's certainly not a bad Plan B for Masai Ujiri should they whiff on Durant.
“Toronto had an interest in Simmons before, and a package could be built around OG Anunoby. The Raptors would not give up Scottie Barnes or (Fred) VanVleet or (Pascal) Siakam, so it might be a nonstarter for Brooklyn,” the executive said to Deveney.
Certainly, the price to acquire Ben Simmons in a trade would be far lower than the Nets' current asking price for Durant. However, the Nets would still likely want good value out of their star, especially since they just acquired him. For the Raptors, that would likely mean giving up OG Anunoby, or one of the three stars mentioned above.
Simmons would certainly be an interesting player for the Raptors if he gets traded there. His shooting issues is certainly a cause of concern. If there's anyone that could unlock Simmons' full potential, though, it's the Raptors' player development crew. His outstanding defense and playmaking would also fit well with Nick Nurse' preferred playstyle.
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