The Toronto Raptors surprised everyone when they went all-in to acquire top prospect. With his future in Phoenix uncertain, the Raptors have both the resources and the drive to potentially build a new Big Three alongside Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram.
The Toronto Raptors find themselves at a familiar turning point. After ending the 2024–25 season with a disappointing 30-52 record and missing the playoffs for a third consecutive year, the franchise is once again in search of a transformative move.
Their midseason trade for Brandon Ingram made it clear the team isn’t interested in a slow rebuild centered solely on rising star Scottie Barnes. Instead, the Raptors appear ready to accelerate their timeline—and with Kevin Durant’s future in Phoenix growing uncertain following another postseason collapse, Toronto could be preparing its boldest move yet: a push to acquire the former MVP and assemble a formidable Big Three.
Just as they did in 2019 by gambling on Kawhi Leonard—a move that led to their first NBA championship—Masai Ujiri and the front office have the assets, youthful talent, and track record to justify going big again. Top star may be 37, but he’s still one of the league’s premier scorers, and bringing him to Toronto could catapult the Raptors back into the title conversation and give them a chance to make history once more.
Raptors Have The Best Big Three In The East
Let’s call it what it is: terrifying. A trio of Kevin Durant, Scottie Barnes, and Brandon Ingram would instantly transform the Raptors from Eastern Conference afterthoughts into legitimate title threats. Durant may be approaching 37, but his production remains elite.
In Phoenix this past season, Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while shooting a blistering 52.7% from the field and 43.0% from three. Pair that with Ingram’s 22.2 points and 5.2 assists—including his seamless transition to Toronto midseason—and Barnes, who continues to evolve into a dynamic two-way force with 19.3 points, 7.7 boards, and 5.8 dimes per game, and you’ve suddenly got a wing trio with length, skill, and scoring at every level.
This kind of core could go toe-to-toe with Boston’s Tatum-Brown-Porzingis trio or New York’s Brunson-Towns-Bridges group. And it fits the Raptors’ current arc perfectly. Barnes, just 23, and Ingram, 27, represent the present and future. Durant, meanwhile, offers the championship-caliber edge they need now—something Barnes, as great as he’s becoming, isn’t quite ready to shoulder alone.
Durant’s playoff pedigree only strengthens the case. With two Finals MVPs and a reputation for shining in high-stakes moments, he brings a level of postseason credibility the Raptors sorely lack. Toronto’s offense, ranked just 25th last season (110.5 offensive rating), would benefit immensely from his efficient shot-making. Add in promising rookie big man Oso Ighodaro—who flashed defensive upside while averaging 4.2 points and 3.6 rebounds in 61 games—and Toronto gets a young asset to grow alongside their new core.
But above all, this trade would send a clear message: the Raptors are done playing it safe. Just like in 2019 when they gambled on Kawhi Leonard and turned it into a championship, this move would be a bold swing for glory. With Barnes handling point-forward responsibilities, Ingram thriving as a secondary scorer, and Durant stretching defenses while closing games, Toronto’s new trio would instantly become the most dangerous wing combination in the Eastern Conference.
Phoenix Recoup Lost Assets And Start New Era
For the Suns, this move is about getting ahead of the inevitable. After going all-in on Kevin Durant in 2023—giving up Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and a haul of future picks—Phoenix now finds itself out of the playoffs and facing rising internal tensions. It’s become clear the Durant era hasn’t lived up to its championship promise.
This trade allows the Suns to pivot smartly, restocking their depleted asset chest while acquiring two proven, ascending starters in Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett, both under 26 and entering their primes. Quickley just enjoyed a breakout campaign, averaging 17.1 points and 5.8 assists on 37.8% shooting from three, showing signs he’s ready to command a starting role as a lead guard.
Barrett, meanwhile, found new life after landing in Toronto, boosting his scoring to 21.1 points per game on an efficient 46.8% from the field. His aggressive slashing and physical presence on the wing would offer Phoenix something it’s lacked—especially with the team relying so heavily on midrange scoring from Durant and Devin Booker.
Together, Barrett and Quickley form a young, high-upside backcourt duo that could mesh well alongside Booker while helping Phoenix shift to a more balanced, modern offensive identity. Add in a potentially valuable 2028 first-round pick—one that could rise in worth as Durant ages and the Raptors’ window narrows—and the Suns get a path toward both short-term competitiveness and long-term flexibility.
Yes, letting go of Durant stings. But for a team strapped for depth, cap space, and future assets, it’s a necessary reset. With Booker still in his prime and now surrounded by young talent, Phoenix avoids a full rebuild while preparing for life beyond the failed superteam experiment.
A Blockbuster Trade That Puts Raptors Back On The Map, Similar To 2019
History has a way of echoing in Toronto. In 2019, the Raptors stunned the NBA by trading beloved star DeMar DeRozan for a hobbled, uncertain Kawhi Leonard—a bold swing that ultimately delivered the franchise’s first and only championship.
Now, in 2025, Masai Ujiri could be preparing to roll the dice once more. Kevin Durant may be past his peak, but his unmatched scoring ability and championship pedigree could give Toronto a similar short-term title window. After several years of irrelevance, this kind of move would reignite the franchise—and its fanbase.
A deal for Durant would thrust the Raptors back into the national spotlight. The Barnes-Durant-Ingram trio would instantly be mentioned in the same breath as Boston, Milwaukee, and New York among the Eastern Conference’s elite. Scotiabank Arena would be packed nightly, TV ratings would soar, and Toronto would once again be a team no one wants to face.