NBA Trade Rumors: Kevin Durant To Los Angeles In Trade Proposal 8 Mar 24, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts against the Milwaukee Bucks at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Toronto Raptors Reportedly Against Parting Ways With $78 Million Big in Kevin Durant Trade

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jun 21, 2025 8:01 AM ET

The Toronto Raptors are listed as one of the dark horse candidates in the Kevin Durant sweepstakes, and they will likely have to give up a lot if they are going to land the 15-time NBA All-Star.

However, according to Michael Grange of Sportsnet, Jakob Poeltl is unlikely to be part of the package because trading him away will significantly compromise their frontcourt depth.

“But to cut through some of the smoke: multiple sources have confirmed to me that Raptors centre Jakob Poeltl would not be part of any deal — however unlikely a Raptors-Suns deal might be — centered around Durant. The Suns were asking for Poeltl at the trade deadline and got a firm ‘no’ back then, but that hasn’t stopped them from asking, apparently,” Grange explained.

Toronto Raptors: Masai Ujiri Has Eye-Opening Reaction After the Team's Disappointing Fall to 9th in the Draft Lottery 2 Dec 1, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) celebrates with teammates after scoring a basket and drawing a foul against the Miami Heat in the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

“There’s no point in adding a player like Durant if the team around him can’t compete. As Poeltl has repeatedly shown since Toronto re-acquired him at the trade deadline in 2023, the Raptors struggle significantly when he doesn’t play,” he added.

Toronto Raptors GM explains team’s draft plans

Toronto Raptors general manager Bobby Webster recently appeared on the Hello and Welcome podcast, where he discussed the team’s plan for the 2025 NBA Draft. They have the ninth and 39th overall picks, which can be used to improve their roster.

Toronto Raptors Reportedly Against Parting Ways With $78 Million Big in Kevin Durant Trade 3 Sep 30, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Raptors vice chairman and team president Masai Ujiri talks to the media during media day at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

“Right now what I can give you is we probably have it down to five people at nine right now. It’s not like there’s 20 people, we’ve narrowed it down, the hard part is you don’t know who’s going to go in front of you. You don’t know who’s going to be there. You have to do your homework if someone in the top eight falls,” Webster said.

ESPN’s mock draft has the Toronto Raptors pick Noa Essengue ninth in the draft. The 18-year-old Frenchman is listed as one of the top power forwards in this year’s draft class.