Few rookies can perform at a high level and showcase the ability to become superstars in their first season in the NBA. Thankfully for the Toronto Raptors, Scottie Barnes has turned out to be one of the rare few. Barnes was seen as a risky pick in the 2021 NBA draft, but he turned out to be an extremely promising player, one that the Raptors could potentially build around.

A few things changed during the offseason though, there are a couple of superstars that have suddenly become available in trade. The Brooklyn Nets and the Utah Jazz both had obvious issues last season, but few could have predicted that the franchises might blow up entirely. Kevin Durant and Donovan Mitchell have become the hottest names on the trade market, with many interested suitors. 

The Raptors have been linked repeatedly with Durant, they are among the teams most expected to make a move for him. But the main obstacle so far seems to be that they don't want to give up Barnes in the transaction, which the Nets are seemingly angling for.