<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/toronto-raptors/raptors-rumors-ben-simmons-potential-target-masai-ujiri-departure');   ga('set', 'title', 'Raptors rumors: Ben Simmons floated as potential target following Masai Ujiri departure');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_1438.jpeg"><figcaption>Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Raptors rumors: Ben Simmons floated as potential target following Masai Ujiri departure</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-06-28T17:19:54-07:00">June 28th, 5:19pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-06-29T12:45:24-07:00">June 29th, 12:45pm</time><address><a>David Yapkowitz</a>David Yapkowitz is an NBA Associate Editor at ClutchPoints. He is a credentialed reporter based in Los Angeles who covers the NBA/WNBA, NCAA/NCAAW and boys/girls high school basketball.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Toronto Raptors made a shocking announcement this week when it was revealed that longtime executive <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/toronto-raptors/raptors-news-masai-ujiri-toronto-part-ways-2025-nba-draft">Masai Ujiri would not return to the organization</a> next season. Ujiri was entering the final year of his contract and both sides opted to part ways. With Ujiri out of the picture, much of the roster building would appear to fall on general manager Bobby Webster. With the NBA free agency period approaching, a <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/whats-next-for-raptors-after-major-shakeup/" rel="noopener">potential target that’s been mentioned</a> for the Raptors is former No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons, as per Michael Grange of Sportsnet.</p><p>Ben Simmons, who is set to hit unrestricted free agency after finishing the 2024-25 season with the Clippers, could potentially fill one of what’s expected to be three open spots on the Raptors roster. Those signings would likely have to come at minimum deals. In addition to Simmons, veteran guard Garrett Temple was also mentioned as a potential candidate for one of those final roster spots. Temple has spent the last two seasons with the Raptors.</p><p>As for Simmons, while he won’t ever regain the form that made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, he shown that he can still be a serviceable NBA player. Simmons finished last season with the LA Clippers, signing with the team after having his contract bought out by the Brooklyn Nets.</p><p>He ended up appearing in 18 regular season games for the Clippers at a little over 16 minutes per game. He averaged 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists with splits of 43.4 percent shooting from the field and 85.7 percent shooting from the free-throw line.</p><p>During the Clippers’ opening round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets, Simmons saw his role cut, averaging only 1.4 rebounds in a little over eight minutes across five games.</p><p>But if the Raptors are interested in signing Simmons in free agency, they reportedly will have some competition from the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-rumors-insider-suggests-ben-simmons-signing">Golden State Warriors who also have rumored free agent interest</a>.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Raptors rumors: Ben Simmons floated as potential target following Masai Ujiri departure

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/nba-stories/nba-rumors-nets-raptors-rj-barrett-trade-is-something-to-monitor');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Nets-Raptors RJ Barrett trade is something to monitor');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/RJ-Barrett-9-brings-the-ball-up-court-against-Brooklyn-Nets-forward-Ziaire-Williams-8-during-the-fourth-quarter.jpg"><figcaption>© Brad Penner-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Nets-Raptors RJ Barrett trade is something to monitor</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-06-24T11:12:32-07:00">June 24th, 11:12am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-06-24T11:12:32-07:00">June 24th, 11:12am</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Brooklyn Nets</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Trade talks between the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-stories/2025-nba-draft-big-board-5-0-76ers-final-ace-bailey-vj-edgecombe-decision">Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets involving forward RJ Barrett</a> have surfaced ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, with league insiders indicating that both teams could explore a deal centered around draft positioning and talent consolidation.</p><p>According to ClutchPoints’ NBA insider Brett Siegel, Toronto has remained active in trade discussions involving Barrett, who is entering the second year of a four-year, $107 million contract. The 25-year-old forward is reportedly part of Toronto’s broader strategy to reshape its roster and return to playoff contention.</p><p>“Toronto is an interesting team to discuss entering the NBA Draft,” Siegel reported. “After having interest in Durant, Masai Ujiri is expected to remain aggressive in his hunt for more talent and to get the Raptors back in a playoff-contending position. As a result, the Raptors have continued to dangle RJ Barrett in trade discussions with multiple teams, sources said.”</p><p>Michael Scotto of HoopsHype also confirmed the team’s ongoing efforts to gauge interest in Barrett.</p><p>“Toronto has also continued to gauge the trade market on RJ Barrett, league sources told HoopsHype,” Scotto reported. “Barrett, who’s owed $57.32 million over the next two seasons, averaged a career-high 21.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game.”</p><h2><b>Raptors may trade RJ Barrett, No. 9 pick as Nets explore 2025 NBA Draft options</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/RJ-Barrett-9-drives-against-Philadelphia-76ers-guard-Jared-Butler-12-during-the-fourth-quarter.jpg"><figcaption>© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Barrett, a Toronto native and former No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, joined the Raptors midway through the 2023–24 season as part of the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/toronto-raptors/raptors-news-rj-barrett-reveals-immediate-reaction-trade-knicks-toronto">deal that sent OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks</a>. In his first full season with Toronto, he averaged 21.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists on 46.8% shooting from the field and 35% from three-point range over 58 games.</p><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/brooklyn-nets/nba-rumors-why-nets-2025-drafts-most-desirable-landing-spots">Nets, who currently hold four first-round picks in the upcoming draft</a> — Nos. 8, 19, 26, and 27 — along with a second-round pick, are believed to be looking to package assets to move up or acquire proven talent. The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/toronto-raptors/raptors-rumors-2-draft-targets-if-toronto-trades-down">Raptors possess the No. 9 and No. 39 picks</a>.</p><p>“Is there a potential trade brewing between the Nets and Raptors that could see Barrett and the ninth pick go to Brooklyn?” Siegel wrote. “This is something many around the league are keeping an eye on, as there is no guarantee Toronto will keep the ninth pick in this year’s draft.”</p><p>Brooklyn’s interest in acquiring another lottery pick aligns with speculation that the franchise is weighing a larger roster retool. Barrett’s age and scoring ability may also make him an attractive piece for a team seeking a wing with upside and experience.</p><p>The 2025 NBA Draft is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN. With both teams holding significant draft capital and facing roster questions, league executives are closely monitoring how Toronto and Brooklyn might act in the days ahead.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Nets-Raptors RJ Barrett trade is something to monitor

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/toronto-raptors/raptors-rumors-toronto-unwilling-include-jakob-poeltl-kevin-durant-trade');   ga('set', 'title', 'Raptors rumors: Toronto ‘unwilling’ to include Jakob Poeltl in Kevin Durant trade');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/20250320_tbs_hb4_386.jpg"><figcaption>John Hefti-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Raptors rumors: Toronto ‘unwilling’ to include Jakob Poeltl in Kevin Durant trade</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-06-20T22:14:36-07:00">June 20th, 10:14pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-06-20T22:14:36-07:00">June 20th, 10:14pm</time><address><a>Richard Pereira</a>Richard Pereira joined ClutchPoints in January 2025 as an Associate Editor. He earned his degree from Florida Atlantic University in 2023 and has been covering the school's athletic programs since 2020, having served as a Sports Editor at the FAU University Press. He was granted the unique opportunity to report on the men's basketball team's journey to the Final Four in Houston for FAU Owls Nest during March Madness, consistently striving to grow as a sports journalist.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Toronto <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/raptors-rumors-insider-reveals-toronto-is-willing-to-gamble-on-kevin-durant">Raptors’ offseason could turn out to be interesting</a>, whether it involves the draft, trades or free agency. However, it won’t end up with them departing from Jakob Poeltl for Kevin Durant.</p><p>Durant made it clear to the Phoenix Suns the three teams he would prefer to play for. They are the Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets.</p><p>While the Raptors aren’t a favorite, they would elevate their chances by landing Durant with a blockbuster trade. NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line <a href="https://x.com/TheSteinLine/status/1936269291810369700" rel="noopener">gave his outlook on the scenario</a>, mentioning the possibility but stating that Poeltl won’t be part of any deal for the Suns star.</p><p>“As @michaelgrange noted earlier tonight, Toronto has been unwilling to include Jakob Poeltl in the Raptors’ trade talks regarding Kevin Durant,” Fischer said.</p><h2><b>What lies ahead for Jakob Poeltl, Raptors</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/20250320_tbs_hb4_405.jpg"><figcaption>John Hefti-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>It would be difficult for the Raptors to maintain some of their depth if they trade for Kevin Durant. However, moving on from Jakob Poeltl <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/raptors-not-willing-to-include-jakob-poeltl-in-potential-deal-for-kevin-durant/" rel="noopener">would not be one of their priorities</a>, according to Sportsnet reporter Michael Grange.</p><p>“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. A more likely scenario is that the Raptors reach a contract extension with Poeltl sooner rather than later, with the structure and timing designed to offer the club flexibility as they build out a competitive roster,” Grange wrote.</p><p>“Poeltl is eligible for a three-year, $88.2 million extension if he opts into the final year of his current deal, or a four-year, $121.8 million extension if he opts out and signs a new contract starting this season. Opting into the final year of his current $19.5 million deal would give the Raptors some additional cap flexibility for any acquisitions they might want to pursue this summer.”</p><p>Poeltl has been with the Raptors since the 2022-23 season, returning to the franchise after his departure in 2018. This past season was solid for the veteran big man, averaging 14.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game.</p><p>Keeping Poeltl would keep the Raptors’ depth in the frontcourt secure. If they wish to pursue Durant, however, they might have to give up pieces in the backcourt to make the dream come to fruition.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Raptors rumors: Toronto ‘unwilling’ to include Jakob Poeltl in Kevin Durant trade

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/toronto-raptors/raptors-rumors-2-draft-targets-if-toronto-trades-down');   ga('set', 'title', 'Raptors rumors: 2 draft targets if Toronto trades down');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Masai-Ujiri-at-a-game.jpg"><figcaption>Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Raptors rumors: 2 draft targets if Toronto trades down</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-06-17T12:57:36-07:00">June 17th, 12:57pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-06-17T12:57:36-07:00">June 17th, 12:57pm</time><address><a>Jackson Stone</a>Jackson Stone is a Mercer University senior from Atlanta on track to graduate with a BA in communications. A lifelong sports lover, Jackson is a die-hard fan of all Atlanta teams. He joined ClutchPoints in 2023.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/toronto-raptors/raptors-rumors-no-9-pick-most-likely-top-10-picks-traded">Toronto Raptors are currently gearing up</a> for the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/toronto-raptors/raptors-rumors-what-toronto-coveting-no-9-pick">2025 NBA Draft</a>, where they have the number nine overall pick. Fans were a bit disappointed that they weren’t rewarded with a higher selection for their suffering in the 2024-25 season, but such is the way of the current lottery system.</p><p>The Raptors have been rumored to be mulling trading down in their first round in order to accumulate more assets, and recently, NBA insider Jake Fischer of the Stein Line Substack broke down who Toronto <a href="https://marcstein.substack.com/p/lots-of-the-latest-nba-draft-intel?utm_source=post-email-title&amp;publication_id=392205&amp;post_id=166155532&amp;utm_campaign=email-post-title&amp;isFreemail=false&amp;r=39f60&amp;triedRedirect=true&amp;utm_medium=email" rel="noopener">could be targeting</a> if that indeed comes to pass.</p><p>“Word is that the Raptors are thus evaluating centers that would be available later in the first round; I’ve been told Michigan center Danny Wolf and Georgia’s Asa Newell are two prime candidates in that category,” reported Fischer.</p><p>Fischer also reported that the Raptors have interest in Duke big man Khaman Maluach, but that he is expected to be off the board by the time they have a chance to take him.</p><h2><b>An interesting time for the Raptors</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Toronto-Raptors-head-coach-Darko-Rajakovic_85cd92.jpg"><figcaption>Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Raptors currently figure to be somewhere in the middle between all-out rebuilding and trying to compete. Masai Ujiri signaled his commitment to this current roster by trading for New Orleans Pelicans wing Brandon Ingram at last year’s deadline; however, Ingram has yet to make his Toronto debut as he recovers from injury.</p><p>The Raptors saw a solid sophomore season from shooting guard Gradey Dick in 2024-25, and there is still some potential room for All-Star Scottie Barnes to continue to grow.</p><p>However, outside of those two, the Raptors aren’t exactly brimming with young talent, and it remains to be seen whether they will look to draft their next building block with the number nine pick or trade down as Fischer reported.</p><p>Toronto hasn’t won a playoff series since the 2020 season, but if they play their cards correctly, this summer could be an opportunity to set the franchise back on the right path.</p><p>The NBA Draft is slated to begin with the first round on June 25 from Brooklyn.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Raptors rumors: 2 draft targets if Toronto trades down

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/toronto-raptors/raptors-rumors-no-9-pick-most-likely-top-10-picks-traded');   ga('set', 'title', 'Raptors rumors: No. 9 pick ‘most likely’ among top-10 picks to be traded');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Toronto-Raptors-head-coach-Darko-Rajakovic_85cd92.jpg"><figcaption>Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Raptors rumors: No. 9 pick ‘most likely’ among top-10 picks to be traded</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-06-16T15:26:18-07:00">June 16th, 3:26pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-06-16T15:26:18-07:00">June 16th, 3:26pm</time><address><a>Benedetto Vitale</a>Benedetto Vitale is an avid sports writer who is an expert at covering the NFL, college football, NBA, and UFC. He graduated from the University of Oregon in 2016 with a film degree but has since dedicated his career to sports writing.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/toronto-raptors/raptors-rumors-what-toronto-coveting-no-9-pick">Toronto Raptors own the No. 9 pick overall</a> in the 2025 NBA Draft. It’s an opportunity for the club to find a solid prospect to continue rebuilding the roster. However, rumors are swirling that the No. 9 pick is the most likely of all of the picks within the Top 10 to be traded by draft night.</p><p>Speculation is growing that the Raptors are looking to trade the No. 9 pick overall, according to Jake Fischer of the Stien Line. Fischer believes Toronto is <a href="https://marcstein.substack.com/p/orlando-memphis-kevin-durant-and?utm_source=post-email-title&amp;publication_id=392205&amp;post_id=166031248&amp;utm_campaign=email-post-title&amp;isFreemail=false&amp;r=39f60&amp;triedRedirect=true&amp;utm_medium=email" rel="noopener">more likely to trade down</a>, rather than trade completely out of the first round of the draft.</p><p>“The Raptors’ No. 9 pick is also increasingly viewed as perhaps the most likely top-10 pick in the draft to be traded. My sense is that Toronto would prefer to simply trade down rather than trade out of the first round completely. Perhaps there is some swap potential in a deal with Phoenix and the Suns’ No. 29 overall selection.”</p><p>Toronto could be one of the teams to make the most moves this offseason. The front office traded for Brandon Ingram at the deadline, and rumors are claiming the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/toronto-raptors/nba-rumors-107-million-raptors-star-best-sneaky-trade-target">Raptors could move on from forward RJ Barrett</a>. This franchise seemingly wants to build a roster around Ingram and Scottie Barnes, and trading the No. 9 pick very well could be part of the plan.</p><p>The NBA Draft begins on Wednesday, June 25. If the current rumors swirling around the Raptors are true, then there’s a good chance the franchise isn’t looking to move up in the draft. But considering the state of the roster, trading back in the draft while either picking up extra capital or acquiring a veteran player and maintaining a first-round pick seems like possible scenarios for Toronto.</p><p>Look for the Raptors to stay hot in the rumor mill in the coming week. Toronto doesn’t seem like a team keen on the idea of taking multiple years to rebuild the roster.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Raptors rumors: No. 9 pick ‘most likely’ among top-10 picks to be traded

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/toronto-raptors/nba-rumors-107-million-raptors-star-best-sneaky-trade-target');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Insider labels $107 million Raptors star as best ‘sneaky trade target’');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/RJ-Barrett.jpg"><figcaption>Bill Streicher-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Insider labels $107 million Raptors star as best ‘sneaky trade target’</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-06-16T13:58:59-07:00">June 16th, 1:58pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-06-16T13:58:59-07:00">June 16th, 1:58pm</time><address><a>Troy Finnegan</a>Troy Finnegan is a Senior Editor and College Sports Lead at ClutchPoints. He graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2023 with a degree in journalism and minors in communications and sports media, as well as a critical sports studies certificate. He has had a passion for sports his entire life, and enjoys covering and writing about all sports.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>While the NBA Finals are close to finishing up, the offseason is already in full swing for 28 teams. That became clear the moment the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/grizzlies-rumors-how-desmond-bane-trade-could-lead-to-top-10-draft-pick">Orlando Magic acquired Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies</a> in exchange for a package that included four first-round picks. Now, other teams like the Toronto Raptors could be next to get in on the action.</p><p>The Raptors made a big move at the trade deadline last season to bring Brandon Ingram in from the New Orleans Pelicans, but an ankle injury stopped him from making an impact over the second half of the season.</p><p>Now, the Raptors could be making moves to tweak their roster, and RJ Barrett is one name that <a href="https://hardwoodparoxysm.substack.com/p/nba-drafttrade-rumors-hearsay-hints?utm_campaign=email-half-post&amp;r=39f60&amp;utm_source=substack&amp;utm_medium=email" rel="noopener">could be on the way out</a>, according to Matt Moore.</p><p>“RJ Barrett,” Moore wrote. “This is your next sneaky trade target who could make that leap, and all of a sudden, you have a bona fide star.”</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-rumors-why-pelicans-didnt-want-rj-barrett-raptors-brandon-ingram-trade">Barrett would be an intriguing candidate on the trade market</a> if the Raptors do choose to build around Ingram and Scottie Barnes and send the Duke product on his way. His role grew during his time in Toronto and he showed much more viability as an all-around scorer than he did during his time with the New York Knicks.</p><p>The Canadian only played in 58 games in 2024-25, but he averaged a career-high 21.1 points per game. His efficiency could still get better, as he shot just under 47% from the field and 35% from 3-point range, but there are still plenty of teams that could use a wing scorer who can get a bucket at all three levels.</p><p>While the other aspects of Barrett’s game haven’t been as consistent during his career, he has flashed ability as a playmaker and a defender during his time in the NBA. If he is maximized, it is easy to see him in a Jalen Williams-type of role on a playoff contender in the future where he can kind of be a Swiss Army knife and contribute in a number of ways.</p><p>Barrett could be the centerpiece of a smaller trade this summer, or he could be a salary match in a deal that sends somebody like <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/raptors-rumors-insider-reveals-toronto-is-willing-to-gamble-on-kevin-durant">Kevin Durant back to the Raptors</a>. Either way, his status will be something to monitor over the next few months.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Insider labels $107 million Raptors star as best ‘sneaky trade target’

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/toronto-raptors/raptors-rumors-what-jake-fischer-hearing-kevin-durant-trade-pursuit');   ga('set', 'title', 'RUMOR: What Jake Fischer is hearing about Kevin Durant trade pursuit');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Suns-superstar-Kevin-Durant.jpg"><figcaption>Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>RUMOR: What Jake Fischer is hearing about Kevin Durant trade pursuit</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-06-16T10:23:36-07:00">June 16th, 10:23am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-06-16T10:24:09-07:00">June 16th, 10:24am</time><address><a>Alex House</a>Alex House is a sports journalist who covers the NFL, NBA, and MLB for ClutchPoints. He grew up in a New York sports-heavy region in Connecticut and earned his journalism degree at the University of Rhode Island. His in-depth knowledge of two of the most passionate and raucous fan bases in the country gives him a truly unique writing voice.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Toronto Raptors have spent the last two years under construction, focusing on the development of their fairly young roster rather than competing for Eastern Conference supremacy. Although Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Gradey Dick and Jakob Poeltl form an intriguing core, most people assume that team president Masai Ujiri has been biding his time before pursuing a superstar. The time to strike may soon arrive.</p><p>The Phoenix Suns and Kevin Durant understand that a split is in the best interest of all involved and are <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-stories/nba-rumors-suns-take-intriguing-jalen-green-step-amid-kevin-durant-trade-talks">moving toward a trade</a> this offseason. Toronto is expected to make a play for the future Hall of Famer, as it tries to quickly reinsert itself back into the playoff picture. Considering the question marks swirling around the East going into the 2025-26 campaign, Ujiri may believe that one transformative talent can launch the squad into contention.</p><p>However, such a player is not typically acquired without making a considerable sacrifice. Three specific members of this squad are <a href="https://marcstein.substack.com/p/orlando-memphis-kevin-durant-and?utm_source=post-email-title&amp;publication_id=392205&amp;post_id=166031248&amp;utm_campaign=email-post-title&amp;isFreemail=false&amp;r=39f60&amp;triedRedirect=true&amp;utm_medium=email" rel="noopener">emerging as possible trade candidates</a> this summer.</p><p>“Sources say that the Raptors would be willing to part with either RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley for a significant roster upgrade,” NBA insider Jake Fischer reported on The Stein Line. “Several league figures with knowledge of the Raptors’ thinking have likewise asserted that they could show a willingness to move center Jakob Poeltl as well … provided that the trade in question brought back Durant.”</p><p>Michael Scotto of HoopsHype also mentioned Barrett’s <a href="https://hoopshype.com/lists/nba-intel-kevin-durant-trade-talks-desmond-bane-jonathan-kuminga-celtics-hawks-nets/" rel="noopener">possible presence on the trade market</a>, noting that the Raptors are likely to “gauge” league-wide interest in the Toronto native and former top-five draft pick.</p><h2><b>Raptors have much to consider</b></h2><p>One cannot ignore the risk of dealing away a big chunk of the starting lineup for someone who will turn 37 in September. Durant remains an offensive juggernaut — posted 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 52.7 percent from the field and 43.0 percent from 3-point range last season — but he is not the future of the franchise.</p><p>Can Durant and Barnes successfully lead a talented yet unproven group that also includes Ja’Kobe Walter and Ochai Agbaji? Masai Ujiri would need to engage in some additional roster shuffling to position Toronto for a true turnaround. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/toronto-raptors/raptors-rumors-what-toronto-coveting-no-9-pick">The No. 9 overall pick</a> in the 2025 NBA Draft is an intriguing asset, but, as Fischer notes, it could be included in a swap for the Suns’ No. 29 selection in a potential Kevin Durant trade.</p><p>The Raptors have a tough balancing act to master. Competing in the present while also planning for the future is a risky undertaking that has conquered many executives in professional sports. Given the interest surrounding the two-time NBA Finals MVP, they may not have much time to figure it out.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

RUMOR: What Jake Fischer is hearing about Kevin Durant trade pursuit

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/toronto-raptors/raptors-rumors-insider-reveals-toronto-is-willing-to-gamble-on-kevin-durant');   ga('set', 'title', 'Raptors rumors: Insider reveals Toronto is willing to ‘gamble’ on Kevin Durant');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Kevin-Durant-35-drives-toward-the-basket-against-Toronto-Raptors-guard-Ochai-Agbaji-30.jpg"><figcaption>© Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Raptors rumors: Insider reveals Toronto is willing to ‘gamble’ on Kevin Durant</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-06-14T10:38:02-07:00">June 14th, 10:38am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-06-14T10:38:02-07:00">June 14th, 10:38am</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/toronto-raptors/raptors-trade-proposal-for-kevin-durant-as-giannis-antetokounmpo-consolation">Toronto Raptors are reportedly emerging as a potential wild card in the Kevin Durant trade</a> sweepstakes. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Raptors are among the teams <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8tqyM_u-nA&amp;t=895s" rel="noopener">prepared to take a gamble</a> on the 15-time All-Star despite his expiring contract and uncertain long-term commitment.</p><p>Stein made the revelation on the latest episode of the All-NBA Podcast, noting the growing activity surrounding Durant’s trade market as the NBA Finals continue.</p><p>“There are teams out there saying you know what… we know he’s only under contract for one more year at about $55 million, we’re willing to gamble on him, and the Toronto Raptors are one of those teams,” Stein said.</p><p>Durant, 36, is entering the final guaranteed year of his deal with the Phoenix Suns for the 2025–26 season. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/minnesota-timberwolves/timberwolves-rumors-insider-reveals-why-kevin-durant-trade-is-incredibly-difficult">Trade speculation surrounding the veteran forward has steadily intensified</a> since the February deadline, when several teams reportedly made inquiries. With the Suns finishing the 2024–25 season at 36-46 and missing the postseason, the franchise is expected to explore major changes under <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/phoenix-suns/how-jordan-ott-plans-connect-suns-current-roster">new head coach Jordan Ott</a>.</p><p>Stein pointed to Toronto’s previous high-risk, high-reward move in 2018 as a precedent for its current approach.</p><p>“The Toronto Raptors have already done this. They’ve already gambled on a Hall of Fame bound forward that had one year left on his deal… traded for Kawhi Leonard, won a championship, and immediately lost Kawhi Leonard,” Stein said.</p><h2><b>Raptors’ 2018-19 Kawhi Leonard gamble cited as blueprint for potential Kevin Durant pursuit</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Kevin-Durant-Suns.jpg"><figcaption>Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Leonard, acquired from the San Antonio Spurs, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/toronto-raptors/3-teams-kawhi-leonard-was-nearly-traded-to-instead-of-the-raptors">delivered the Raptors their first NBA championship</a> before leaving in free agency that summer. While the move came with risk, it remains one of the most successful trades in franchise history and could serve as a model for the organization’s pursuit of Durant.</p><p>“Will the Raptors or someone else be willing to make that same gamble on Kevin Durant now,” Stein continued, “and give the Suns an offer better than the options they would have to trade him to the teams that are presumed to be Kevin Durant’s preferred destinations? Your San Antonio’s and your Houston’s.”</p><p>Toronto already made a bold move earlier this year by <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/toronto-raptors/raptors-trade-grade-for-blockbuster-brandon-ingram-deal-with-pelicans">acquiring former All-Star forward Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans</a> at the trade deadline. Pairing Durant with Ingram and rising star Scottie Barnes would significantly raise the team’s ceiling heading into the 2025–26 campaign. The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/toronto-raptors/raptors-rumors-what-toronto-coveting-no-9-pick">Raptors also hold the No. 9 overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft</a>, giving them another valuable asset to either build with or potentially include in trade discussions.</p><p>Durant averaged 26.6 points, six rebounds, and 4.2 assists on 52.7% shooting from the field and 43% from three-point range this past season. He remains one of the league’s most efficient scorers, but with no long-term commitment in place, any team considering a trade must weigh the potential short-term gain against the risk of a brief tenure.</p><p>As speculation builds, the Raptors appear willing to embrace that risk. If history is any guide, Toronto could once again look to capitalize on a one-year window — and potentially reshape the Eastern Conference in the process.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Raptors rumors: Insider reveals Toronto is willing to ‘gamble’ on Kevin Durant

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/toronto-raptors/raptors-rumors-what-toronto-coveting-no-9-pick');   ga('set', 'title', 'Raptors rumors: What Toronto is ‘coveting’ with No. 9 pick');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Darko-Rajakovic.jpg"><figcaption>Matt Krohn-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Raptors rumors: What Toronto is ‘coveting’ with No. 9 pick</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-06-08T10:30:34-07:00">June 8th, 10:30am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-06-08T10:30:34-07:00">June 8th, 10:30am</time><address><a>Troy Finnegan</a>Troy Finnegan is a Senior Editor and College Sports Lead at ClutchPoints. He graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2023 with a degree in journalism and minors in communications and sports media, as well as a critical sports studies certificate. He has had a passion for sports his entire life, and enjoys covering and writing about all sports.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Toronto Raptors struggled mightily last season, but the ping pong balls still were not on their side. The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/editorials/3-players-toronto-raptors-must-avoid-in-2025-nba-draft">Raptors are now staring at the No. 9 overall pick</a> in the NBA Draft despite coming off of a 30-52 season.</p><p>There are a lot of different directions that the Raptors can go in with that pick, even though they are going to miss out on the two <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/mavericks-news-dallas-makes-cooper-flagg-pre-draft-move">biggest stars of this class in Cooper Flagg</a> and Dylan Harper. Even the second tier of stars, such as VJ Edgecombe and Tre Johnson, are likely to be well out of reach for Toronto.</p><p>Still, the Raptors have options at No. 9. They still need a center, and Duke big man Khaman Maluach is the top big man in the draft. Maluach has a small chance to slide down to No. 9, but the Raptors could also <a href="https://marcstein.substack.com/p/the-kevin-durant-trade-landscape?utm_source=post-email-title&amp;publication_id=392205&amp;post_id=165371293&amp;utm_campaign=email-post-title&amp;isFreemail=false&amp;r=39f60&amp;triedRedirect=true&amp;utm_medium=email" rel="noopener">solidify the front court elsewhere</a> if the 7-foot-2 freshman is off the board, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.</p><p>“Duke center Khaman Maluach is largely viewed as the leading center prospect in this class,” Fischer wrote. “And Toronto, sources say, is among the clubs that highly value the 7-foot-2 big man who played for South Sudan’s national team in the 2024 Summer Olympics.</p><p>“The Raptors, though, have left various rival teams with the impression that they covet multiple centers at the No. 9 slot … meaning they might have another big man in mind should Maluach come off the board by the time Toronto is on the clock.”</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-rumors-khaman-maluach-linked-4-lottery-teams-before-draft">Maluach’s skillset makes him an enticing pick</a> for every team. He has only been playing organized basketball since he was 14 and has already improved a ton in that time. He has shooting touch that he wasn’t asked to use much at Duke, but he is a great two-way player who is an elite lob threat and  good shot blocker with swtichability on defense.</p><p>Even if Maluach is gone, there are a number of other intriguing center prospects that the Raptors can look at with the No. 9 pick. At the top of that list would be Georgetown center Thomas Sorber, who is a much smaller prospect who plays below the rim but has incredible intangibles and feel for the game for his age.</p><p>The Raptors could also look to take a guard with this pick, but there are still options in the front court if they want to go in that direction.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Raptors rumors: What Toronto is ‘coveting’ with No. 9 pick

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/toronto-raptors/raptors-rumors-kevin-durant-trade-backup-option-giannis-antetokounmpo');   ga('set', 'title', 'Raptors rumors: Kevin Durant trade a backup option to Giannis Antetokounmpo');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Kevin-Durant-4.jpg"><figcaption>Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Raptors rumors: Kevin Durant trade a backup option to Giannis Antetokounmpo</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-06-08T07:26:14-07:00">June 8th, 7:26am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-06-08T07:26:14-07:00">June 8th, 7:26am</time><address><a>Troy Finnegan</a>Troy Finnegan is a Senior Editor and College Sports Lead at ClutchPoints. He graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2023 with a degree in journalism and minors in communications and sports media, as well as a critical sports studies certificate. He has had a passion for sports his entire life, and enjoys covering and writing about all sports.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Toronto Raptors were a mainstay in the Eastern Conference playoffs for many years, but they have fallen out of the conversation in recent times. Last year, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/editorials/3-players-toronto-raptors-must-avoid-in-2025-nba-draft">Toronto finished just 30-52 and missed out</a> on the play-in even in a weaker Eastern Conference.</p><p>This offseason, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/raptors-rumors-toronto-canvassing-league-next-big-offseason-splash-says-insider">Raptors are looking to get back in the mix</a>. With stars widely expected to be available across the league, Toronto has some intriguing young pieces that it can package to land a big fish on the market.</p><p>The biggest name out of that group is Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. While the two-time MVP has not formally asked out of Milwaukee, it is widely assumed that he could be on the move due to the state of the Bucks’ roster. However, acquiring him will take a massive package, and it will be tough for the Raptors to match what some other teams can present.</p><p>That’s where Kevin Durant comes in. Durant will cost less on the market, <a href="https://marcstein.substack.com/p/the-kevin-durant-trade-landscape?utm_source=post-email-title&amp;publication_id=392205&amp;post_id=165371293&amp;utm_campaign=email-post-title&amp;isFreemail=false&amp;r=39f60&amp;triedRedirect=true&amp;utm_medium=email" rel="noopener">leaving the door open</a> for the Raptors to possibly work with the Phoenix Suns on a potential trade, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.</p><p>“But Toronto has likewise been painted by numerous NBA figures as a potential trade suitor for Durant … particularly if Antetokounmpo doesn’t reach the open market,” Fischer wrote. “The Raptors, furthermore, would figure to have a more realistic shot at assembling a competitive trade offer for Durant compared to the mammoth offers that the Bucks would inevitably seek for Antetokounmpo’s services. The Greek Freak also happens to be six years younger than Durant, is still playing at an MVP level and, most crucially, has two more guaranteed years left on his contract.”</p><p>Durant would be a great fit with the Raptors and would give them a real scoring punch that they have been missing on the wing. While his health and availability is a concern, as he has missed time with injuries a lot in the last few years, he would raise Toronto’s ceiling dramatically.</p><p>Another big question is <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-rumors-twist-suns-kevin-durant-trade-talks">whether Durant would want to stay</a> in Toronto long-term. The two-time NBA Finals MVP is entering the final year of his contract and is up for an extension, but there is a risk for any team that Durant will be a one-year rental. That will significantly impact the package that teams are willing to give up for him. However, that diminished trade value could favor the Raptors as the offseason wears on.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Raptors rumors: Kevin Durant trade a backup option to Giannis Antetokounmpo

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/toronto-raptors/raptors-rumors-toronto-canvassing-league-next-big-offseason-splash-says-insider');   ga('set', 'title', 'Raptors rumors: Toronto ‘canvassing the league’ for next big offseason splash, says Insider');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Toronto-Raptors-head-coach-Darko-Rajakovic.jpg"><figcaption>Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Raptors rumors: Toronto ‘canvassing the league’ for next big offseason splash, says Insider</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-06-06T11:37:57-07:00">June 6th, 11:37am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-06-06T14:47:13-07:00">June 6th, 2:47pm</time><address><a>Benedetto Vitale</a>Benedetto Vitale is an avid sports writer who is an expert at covering the NFL, college football, NBA, and UFC. He graduated from the University of Oregon in 2016 with a film degree but has since dedicated his career to sports writing.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The offseason is nearing, and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/toronto-raptors/raptors-rumors-giannis-toronto-hold-mutual-trade-interest-with-a-wild-card">the Toronto Raptors are seemingly in a rebuild</a> after trading away Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby in previous years.</p><p>The club decided to go in a new direction at the trade deadline during the regular season after acquiring forward Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans. One insider believes the front office is looking to make another big trade like that during the summer.</p><p>NBA insider Jake Fischer revealed in the latest video he made for Bleacher Report that he’s hearing rumblings about the Raptors “canvassing the league” to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKoBxp0o8Cc&amp;t=1672s" rel="noopener">make a splash move</a> in the offseason. From the sounds of it, Toronto wants to pair another star with Ingram.</p><p>“I’m starting to hear a lot of buzz about Toronto. The Raptors clearly tried to move their group a step forward by going out and acquiring Brandon Ingram in this past trade deadline. That move was clearly designed to take a step forward and improve everything and push Toronto into a position to competing for a playoff push.</p><p>“This ’25 – ’26 campaign, this upcoming campaign. Right now, it seems like the Raptors are canvassing the league for more opportunities to get better like that.”</p><figure class="op-interactive"></figure><p>Now, it’s not entirely clear which player or players <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/brooklyn-nets/nba-rumors-nets-exploring-cam-johnson-trade-raptors-rockets">the Raptors could be seeking in a trade</a>. However, the timing is impeccable with speculation that the Milwaukee Bucks could be trading Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason.</p><p>Even though the Raptors essentially entered a rebuild not too long ago, the front office may feel there’s a window of opportunity to land another star talent to pair with Ingram as well as Scottie Barnes.</p><p>The Raptors own the No. 9 pick overall, which should have some value on draft night. Toronto also has some intriguing players that could fetch some attention, such as RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Jakob Poeltl.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Raptors rumors: Toronto ‘canvassing the league’ for next big offseason splash, says Insider

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/brooklyn-nets/nba-rumors-nets-exploring-cam-johnson-trade-raptors-rockets');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Nets exploring Cam Johnson trade with Raptors, Rockets');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_25097545.jpg"><figcaption>Jan 1, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN;  Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson (2) reacts after scoring a basket and earning a foul call against the Toronto Raptors in the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Nets exploring Cam Johnson trade with Raptors, Rockets</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-06-04T08:53:12-07:00">June 4th, 8:53am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-06-04T18:09:07-07:00">June 4th, 6:09pm</time><address><a>Erik Slater</a>Erik Slater is the credentialed Brooklyn Nets beat reporter for ClutchPoints. He's a graduate of Lehigh University and the Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University, as well as a Lehigh Football and Syracuse Football alum.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Brooklyn Nets</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Brooklyn Nets are interested in acquiring a second lottery pick in <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-stories/2025-nba-mock-draft-2-0-could-spurs-trade-dylan-harper-nets">this month’s NBA draft</a>. Already in possession of No. 8, the team is <a href="https://twitter.com/NetsDaily/status/1930266827143196921" rel="noopener">exploring a trade</a> that would send Cam Johnson and No. 19 to the Toronto Raptors for No. 9 or the Houston Rockets for No. 10, according to NetsDaily.</p><p>The Nets would also absorb a “bad contract” into their cap space in such a deal.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hearing Nets may want to move up from #19 to the lottery, offering CamJ and #19 to Raptors or Rockets for either Raps 9th or Rockets 10th plus a bad contract. That would give Nets two picks in top 10 (presupposing neither team would need picks for Giannis trade.)</p><p>— NetsDaily (@NetsDaily) <a href="https://twitter.com/NetsDaily/status/1930266827143196921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>Both rumored trade partners make sense as destinations for Johnson. The Rockets need offensive help after struggling during a first-round loss to the Golden State Warriors. And the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/toronto-raptors/raptors-rumors-brian-windhorst-hints-at-possible-big-fish-trade">Raptors are reportedly eyeing a big move</a> this summer after trading for and extending Brandon Ingram.</p><p>It’s not surprising that the Nets, who own picks Nos. 8, 19, 26, 27, and 36, are interested in moving up the board. NBA circles have expected Brooklyn to consolidate their stockpile and acquire a better asset, whether in this year’s draft or the future.</p><p>However, the potential inclusion of Johnson in a trade with the Raptors or Rockets would be noteworthy for several reasons.</p><h2>Nets exploring Cam Johnson trade with Raptors, Rockets to acquire second lottery pick</h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_25097544.jpg"><figcaption>Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>After re-acquiring their 2025 and 2026 first-round picks from the Rockets last summer, the Nets have two paths this coming season: tank for another top draft selection or fast-track their timeline with a star acquisition, such as Giannis Antetokounmpo.</p><p>Trading a win-now player like Johnson for a second lottery pick while absorbing a bad contract would signal they’re keen on the former.</p><p>While the Nets paid a surplus to re-acquire control of their next two drafts from Houston, they’ve yet to commit to a full rebuild. Their interest in Antetokounmpo was well-documented this season. However, removing a veteran like Johnson in favor of a 19-year-old rookie would signal a turning of the page for Brooklyn.</p><p>Several teams <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/brooklyn-nets/nets-cam-johnson-gets-real-trade-rumors-after-remaining-brooklyn-through-deadline">inquired with the Nets about a trade for Johnson</a> at this year’s deadline. However, Brooklyn was reluctant to part with the sharpshooting forward. General manager <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nets-news-sean-marks-reveals-where-brooklyn-stands-trading-cam-johnson">Sean Marks held a similar stance</a> during his exit interview.</p><p>“There’s so many ways you can build this with Cam Johnson. You want high-character individuals here, and that’s exactly what he is. He’s a high-character guy who you’re gonna see consistency from every day. We’re in zero hurry to move on from players like that,” he told ClutchPoints. “We all know this is a business, and having those upfront, honest conversations with players is important, but I think the next step for Cam is to take on more of a leadership role. We just talked about that this morning with him. He carries a big voice, and he’s well-respected by his teammates. They love him, and he’s about the right stuff. If you wanna look at, what is a Net?  That’s what you want.”</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Asked Sean Marks about Cam Johnson’s leadership role and potential trades:</p><p>“There was no shortage of teams calling on him… But I can’t think of a pathway that Cam doesn’t fit in… He’s a high character guy who you’re gonna see consistency from every day. We’re in zero hurry to… <a href="https://t.co/CEII6F0oEE">pic.twitter.com/CEII6F0oEE</a></p><p>— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) <a href="https://twitter.com/erikslater_/status/1911838426745254013?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>While Marks and the Nets are high on Johnson’s skill set and leadership, his trade value is unlikely to be higher than it is this summer.</p><p>The 28-year-old is coming off a career-best season during which he averaged 18.8 points and 3.4 assists on 48/39/89 shooting splits. He and Desmond Bane were the NBA’s only players to average at least 18 points on such efficiency.</p><p>If the Nets were to pull off a deal sending Johnson and No. 19 to the Raptors or Rockets, they would enter next season with two top-10 selections, several other young prospects, a healthy cap sheet and a stockpile of future draft picks.</p><p>Not a bad position to be in.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Nets exploring Cam Johnson trade with Raptors, Rockets

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/sacramento-kings/sources-domantas-sabonis-kings-future-raptors-trade-rumors');   ga('set', 'title', 'Sources: What Domantas Sabonis’ Kings future looks like amid Raptors trade rumors');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/What-Domantas-Sabonis-Kings-future-looks-like-amid-Raptors-trade-rumors.jpg"></figure><h1>Sources: What Domantas Sabonis’ Kings future looks like amid Raptors trade rumors</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-06-03T13:14:19-07:00">June 3rd, 1:14pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-06-03T13:50:36-07:00">June 3rd, 1:50pm</time><address><a>Brett Siegel</a>Brett Siegel joined ClutchPoints as a credentialed NBA insider and reporter in May 2023 after previously covering the NBA for Fastbreak on FanNation and NBA Analysis Network, as well as working with Louisville Basketball. From playing to coaching to covering the game as a media member, Brett has been involved with the game of basketball from many different perspectives. Breaking the news of various free agent signings, yearly NBA Draft news and other key stories around the league, Brett is always on the phone, getting the latest news and rumors around the NBA. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @BrettSiegelNBA.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Not too long ago, the Sacramento Kings reached a pinnacle that their fans had not experienced in close to two decades. When the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-mike-brown-excited-2023-24-season">Kings snapped their 16-season playoff drought</a> during the 2022-23 season, it appeared as they were the young, rising team everyone in the Western Conference would need to look out for due to All-Stars De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.</p><p>Two seasons later, the Kings have now missed the playoffs in back-to-back years, and much has changed.</p><p>Mike Brown, who set a standard and culture in Sacramento and was named the 2022-23 NBA Coach of the Year, was <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/sacramento-kings/sources-inside-kings-decision-fire-mike-brown-deaaron-fox-uncertain-future">fired after 31 games during this 2024-25 season</a>. Fox, who had been the cornerstone of the franchise, was <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/kings-news-deaaron-fox-trade-spurs-zach-lavine-kings">moved before the trade deadline in a blockbuster three-team trade</a> with the San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls.</p><p>Now, entering an offseason full of uncertainty, Sabonis is hearing his name in trade rumors as a result of the uncertainty that clouds the Kings once more.</p><p>Owner Vivek Ranadive has made it clear that he doesn’t envision his organization taking yet another massive step back, especially given the talent that exists on this Sacramento roster. Despite the Kings underperforming expectations by a mile, the reality of the situation is that they still have a talented group with Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, Malik Monk, and Jonas Valanciunas under contract entering the 2025-26 season.</p><p>That is why Sacramento will be aggressive in its hunt for further upgrades this offseason.</p><p>This is also why Sabonis trade rumors have been blown out of proportion and are nothing more than some creating noise for the sake of doing so, since it’s the offseason.</p><h2><b>The Kings are not actively shopping Domantas Sabonis</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Kings-Domantas-Sabonis-1.jpg"><figcaption>Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Kings have not been contacting teams gauging trade interest in Domantas Sabonis, league sources confirmed to ClutchPoints. Although Sabonis has heard his name come up in recent rumors, Sacramento has not shown any interest in parting ways with the 29-year-old star big man to this point.</p><p>With this said, new GM Scott Perry and his front office are plotting different avenues for the direction in which they want to take the franchise. Barring a drastic change in their mentality and shifting to a rebuilding phase, which continues to look unlikely, Sabonis will enter the 2025-26 season as one of the leading voices of this organization.</p><p>However, it is worth mentioning Sabonis’ long-term outlook still faces a level of uncertainty because the All-Star big man has been seeking clarity.</p><p>Many around the league began questioning <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/sacramento-kings/nba-rumors-kings-facing-doomsday-domantas-sabonis-trade-scenario">what the Kings have planned with Sabonis</a> after Fox was traded before the deadline in February. More importantly, Sabonis himself is beginning to ask questions about what the future looks like in Sacramento.</p><p>New leadership from Perry and the front office should be able to provide Sabonis with the answers he needs, and so far, there have not been any indications that the two sides want to split, like what transpired with Fox and his representation.</p><p>Of course, that has not stopped the rumor mill from engulfing Sabonis, as he was recently linked to the Toronto Raptors. Masai Ujiri is always looking for ways to increase the Raptors’ overall potential, and you can never count out Toronto trading for a star player. After being rumored to be <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/toronto-raptors/raptors-rumors-brian-windhorst-hints-at-possible-big-fish-trade">in the hunt for a “big fish</a>” this offseason by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, rumors surrounding Sabonis spiraled out of control.</p><p>No contact between Toronto and Sacramento regarding Sabonis has taken place, and Doug Smith of the Toronto Star <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyUksmz1xbo&amp;t=296s" rel="noopener">confirmed such</a> on Sactown Sports 1140.</p><p>“I’ve never heard his name in a conversation with anybody involved with the Raptors for a year and a half,” Smith stated. “They’re pretty happy with Jakob Poeltl with two years left in his deal at $20 million a year. Sabonis is a great player, no question about it. But I’ve never heard his name linked to Toronto. Anybody who I’ve talked to in the Raptors’ front office, or the decision level, has never talked [about him] as a guy that they would like to pursue.”</p><p>The Raptors have been rumored to be in the hunt for Giannis Antetokounmpo if he becomes available in trade conversations, but the idea of Toronto potentially pursuing a trade for Sabonis is nothing more than fan fiction.</p><p>It doesn’t appear as if everything will spiral out of control with Sabonis as it did between the Kings and Fox. Sacramento has been home for Sabonis over the last four years, and he has made it clear that he and his family envision remaining there for the foreseeable future.</p><p>Obviously, things change in the NBA, and nothing is ever certain. Just ask Luka Doncic about that. But the reality of this situation for the Kings is that they have a star big man they constantly play through on offense, who is happy in his role of being one of the leaders of the team.</p><p>All Sabonis wants is clarity about the franchise’s desire to win, which is one of the reasons why Perry will seek win-now moves during the summer. There is also some time for the two sides to chart a winning path together.</p><p>Sabonis signed a four-year, $186 million contract with Sacramento in 2023 and will be entering the second year of his deal during the 2025-26 season, which is valued at $43.6 million. This season, he averaged 19.1 points, 13.9 rebounds (league-high), and 6.0 assists per game while shooting 59.0 percent from the floor.</p><h2><b>Will Kings move DeMar DeRozan?</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Kings-DeMar-DeRozan-2.jpg"><figcaption>Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The big question surrounding the Kings this offseason revolves around what will happen with 35-year-old DeMar DeRozan, who will be turning 36 in August before the start of the 2025-26 season.</p><p>DeRozan signed a three-year, $73.8 million contract with the Kings via a sign-and-trade agreement with the Chicago Bulls in 2024, yet the veteran admitted that this past year was one of the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-news-demar-derozan-admission-play-in-loss-mavericks">most challenging of his career</a> due to everything that happened in Sacramento.</p><p>“It’s probably the most I’ve been through in my 16-year career,” DeRozan said in the aftermath of being eliminated in the West play-in tournament. “The season we had was a lot. It’s too hard to fathom right now.”</p><p>The Kings are expected to gauge the market for DeRozan this summer, sources said. Since DeRozan will make $24.7 million during the 2025-26 season, his scoring production on an affordable contract will draw a level of intrigue from teams seeking a proven star and not wanting to tie themselves down long-term.</p><p>For years, the Miami Heat have been labeled as a prime destination for DeRozan, and he will <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-stories/celtics-offseason-trade-intel-after-jayson-tatum-injury-siegels-scoop">once again be viewed as a plausible target</a> for Pat Riley’s team. It is also possible that the Boston Celtics could express interest in a player like DeRozan to try and replicate Jayson Tatum’s lost production after the All-NBA First Team forward suffered a torn Achilles in the playoffs.</p><p>Unlike Sabonis, whom the organization doesn’t have an interest in moving at this time, a trade involving DeRozan this offseason is believable. Then again, Perry won’t trade the Sacramento veteran just for the sake of doing so.</p><p>This offseason for the Kings is all about finding ways to improve their immediate outlook and get back to the playoffs. The organization will only make deals that create a clearer path to finding success, as there are no cap-saving moves that need to be made in Sacramento right now.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Sources: What Domantas Sabonis’ Kings future looks like amid Raptors trade rumors

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/toronto-raptors/raptors-rumors-giannis-toronto-hold-mutual-trade-interest-with-a-wild-card');   ga('set', 'title', 'Raptors rumors: Giannis, Toronto hold ‘mutual trade interest,’ with a ‘wild card’');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Giannis-Antetokounmpo-vs.-Raptors-on-Jan.jpg"><figcaption>Michael McLoone-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Raptors rumors: Giannis, Toronto hold ‘mutual trade interest,’ with a ‘wild card’</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-06-02T07:02:13-07:00">June 2nd, 7:02am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-06-02T07:02:13-07:00">June 2nd, 7:02am</time><address><a>Zachary Weinberger</a>Zachary Weinberger joined ClutchPoints in October 2023 as a Miami Heat reporter as well as an Associate Editor. He graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 2022 after covering the school's athletic programs since his freshman year at the FAU University Press, where he was a Sports Editor and Editor-in-Chief. He then covered FAU Sports for The Palm Beach Post.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>As the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/toronto-raptors/raptors-rumors-brian-windhorst-hints-at-possible-big-fish-trade">Toronto Raptors are rumored to go big fish hunting</a> for a star this offseason, the one player connected to most teams is Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo. While some have already <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/toronto-raptors/raptors-offseason-giannis-antetokounmpo-trade-proposal-with-masai-ujiri-connection">theorized a Raptors trade for Antetokounmpo</a>, the latest report could highlight that a partnership could be welcomed if it comes to that.</p><p>After another disappointing season for Toronto, team president Masai Ujiri seems to want to make a big splash this summer with the Milwaukee big man at the forefront of speculation. There is <a href="https://www.thestar.com/sports/doug-smiths-sports-blog/raptors-mailbag-shai-gilgeous-alexander-vs-steve-nash-and-the-case-to-trade-for-giannis/article_9d14661b-c351-443e-ad2e-c8e22723ecea.html" rel="noopener">“mutual interest”</a> between Antetokounmpo and Toronto, though the “cost” could be tricky in regards to a trade, according to Doug Smith of The Toronto Star.</p><p>“I don’t know if it will happen, but I do know there is mutual interest between Antetokounmpo and the Raptors,” Smith wrote. “The wild card is the cost.”</p><p>“But I also think the Raptors are uniquely placed to make an attractive offer that won’t ruin their franchise or roster,” Smith continued. “I would make the case that a logjam at the wings makes them deep enough that if they had to pay even two out of Gradey Dick, Ochai Agbaji, Ja’Kobe Walter, RJ Barrett, Jonathan Mogbo would still leave enough to fill out a pretty good team with promising young players still developing. Plus, they have all their picks, so giving a first-rounder every year for, say, four years, leaves enough.”</p><h2><b>Raptors are looking for a “big fish”</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Masai-Ujiri-on-Feb.-21-2025-1.jpg"><figcaption>Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>With the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/toronto-raptors/1-player-toronto-raptors-must-trade-2025-nba-offseason">Raptors looking to improve this offseason</a>, Antetokounmpo would no doubt help tremendously, but as said in the report, the shots are “long,” but the price for a deal “isn’t too bad” since there are young players to put in a trade, as Smith listed. This summer could be a prime opportunity to improve since the East is known to be weaker than the West, and with the Boston Celtics, some figure the conference is ripe for the taking.</p><p>The first hearing about the Raptors <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0pe4YsI8qY" rel="noopener">looking to make a splash</a> came from ESPN’s Brian Windhorst on “The Hoop Collective” show.</p><p>“I don’t want to get too far afield from this, but since this has come up, the Raptors are a team that is starting to make noise within the league about looking for a big fish,” Windhorst said to Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon. “If you’re an Eastern Conference team that’s in the middle of the pack, you’re looking at the teams in front of you going, ‘Some of them may not be able to come together, may be able to stay together.”</p><p>“Boston is hurt, and so there are some teams that sniff the ability to make a move, and I think Toronto is one of those teams,” Windhorst continued. “And so naturally, any team that wants to make a move this summer, especially a team in the Eastern Conference, you’re going to have Giannis on the board.”</p><p>At any rate, Toronto is looking to bounce back after having a 30-52 record, which put them 11th in the East.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Raptors rumors: Giannis, Toronto hold ‘mutual trade interest,’ with a ‘wild card’

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/toronto-raptors/raptors-rumors-brian-windhorst-hints-at-possible-big-fish-trade');   ga('set', 'title', 'Raptors rumors: Brian Windhorst hints at possible ‘big fish’ trade');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Masai-Ujiri-on-Feb.-21-2025.jpg"><figcaption>Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Raptors rumors: Brian Windhorst hints at possible ‘big fish’ trade</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-06-01T10:47:26-07:00">June 1st, 10:47am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-06-01T10:47:26-07:00">June 1st, 10:47am</time><address><a>Zachary Weinberger</a>Zachary Weinberger joined ClutchPoints in October 2023 as a Miami Heat reporter as well as an Associate Editor. He graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 2022 after covering the school's athletic programs since his freshman year at the FAU University Press, where he was a Sports Editor and Editor-in-Chief. He then covered FAU Sports for The Palm Beach Post.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>With the basketball world coming up with possible <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/toronto-raptors/raptors-offseason-giannis-antetokounmpo-trade-proposal-with-masai-ujiri-connection">trades involving the Toronto Raptors and Giannis Antetokounmpo</a>, some people wonder what the offseason plans are for the team. While the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/toronto-raptors/1-player-toronto-raptors-must-trade-2025-nba-offseason">Raptors are headed into a crucial offseason</a>, ESPN’s NBA insider Brian Windhorst hinted that it could be an exciting summer for the franchise.</p><p>Led by team president Masai Ujiri, he and the team will look to vastly improve the roster after finishing with a 30-52 record, which put them 11th in the Eastern Conference. Windhorst would say on “The Hoop Collective” show that the team has begun to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0pe4YsI8qY" rel="noopener">“make noise within the league about looking for a big fish.”</a></p><p>“I don’t want to get too far afield from this, but since this has come up, the Raptors are a team that is starting to make noise within the league about looking for a big fish,” Windhorst said. “If you’re an Eastern Conference team that’s in the middle of the pack, you’re looking at the teams in front of you going, ‘Some of them may not be able to come together, may be able to stay together.”</p><p>“Boston is hurt, and so there are some teams that sniff the ability to make a move, and I think Toronto is one of those teams,” Windhorst continued. “And so naturally, any team that wants to make a move this summer, especially a team in the Eastern Conference, you’re going to have Giannis on the board.”</p><h2><b>Raptors could be a part of an “explosive summer” in the NBA offseason</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Scottie-Barnes-on-March-28-2025.jpg"><figcaption>Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>As the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/toronto-raptors/raptors-news-darko-rajakovic-bold-dynastic-vision">Raptors’ vision seems unclear at the moment</a>, Windhorst says that he has heard around NBA circles that the team is expected to make their names known around big players that could be available. The biggest name seems to be Antetokounmpo, but he has not officially requested a trade, but even Windhorst said that this offseason could make for an “explosive summer” with Toronto being one of the teams included in that.</p><p>“But Toronto, I think, is going to try—from their initial conversations, teams in the league are getting the impression that Toronto is going to try to do something,” Windhorst said. “I had an executive tell me yesterday that he thinks this could be—could be, could be—an explosive summer. You know, just as Shams [Charania] said the other day, but like, this—you know, this is the whole league.”</p><p>“People are saying that this—the amount of activity and calls happening in the league right now is at a much higher volume than has been in years past,” Windhorst continued. “I know it does not mean it’s going to happen, but Toronto is one of those teams that is sitting there on the balls of its feet, which is interesting.”</p><p>Whomever they try to get, one imagines that the goal is to pair alongside Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram, though the latter has experienced an immense amount of bad injury luck.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Raptors rumors: Brian Windhorst hints at possible ‘big fish’ trade

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/toronto-raptors/nba-rumors-why-pelicans-didnt-want-rj-barrett-raptors-brandon-ingram-trade');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Why Pelicans didn’t want RJ Barrett in Raptors’ Brandon Ingram trade');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/NBA-rumors-Why-Pelicans-didnt-want-RJ-Barrett-in-Raptors-Brandon-Ingram-trade.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Why Pelicans didn’t want RJ Barrett in Raptors’ Brandon Ingram trade</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-03-03T13:03:41-08:00">March 3rd, 1:03pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-03-03T14:11:47-08:00">March 3rd, 2:11pm</time><address><a>Malik Brown</a>Malik Brown is a multimedia reporter based in Atlanta who covers the Hawks and Dream for ClutchPoints. Malik has worked in entertainment and sports, and he specializes in the NBA and NFL.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Toronto Raptors swung for a big fish at the trade deadline and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/raptors-news-pelicans-trade-brandon-ingram-nba-deadline">acquired Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans</a>. The Raptors traded away Kelly Olynyk and Bruce Brown, but there were talks that RJ Barrett could have been part of the deal. Surprisingly, the Pelicans <a href="https://hoopshype.com/lists/nba-intel-jimmy-butler-trae-young-lamelo-ball-mark-williams-brandon-ingram-kyle-kuzma-raptors-wizards-76ers-mavericks/" rel="noopener">showed no interest in him</a>, according to HoopsHype.</p><p>“Barrett was discussed in trade talks for Ingram with New Orleans, but the Pelicans preferred the expiring contract of Bruce Brown and stretch-five center Kelly Olynyk, who’s owed $13.45 million next season, league sources told HoopsHype.</p><p>“With Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones already on the wing, the Pelicans didn’t view Barrett as a suitable fit for their roster as talks would have necessitated finding a third team, sources said,” HoopsHype wrote.</p><p>Though Barrett is having one of the best seasons of his career, the Pelicans didn’t see how the fit with him, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones would work, and they were going to have to find a third team for him.</p><p>The Raptors now have a solid young core of Ingram, Barrett, and Scottie Barnes, and it will be interesting to see what they plan to do with their draft pick. At one point during the season, many thought they would be one of the frontrunners for the top pick and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/raptors-news-toronto-historic-loss-celtics-triggers-cooper-flagg-predictions">possibly be in the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes</a>.</p><p>Since then, the Raptors have been winning games, and they’re more on the outside of landing the top pick unless the lottery balls fall in their favor.</p><p>There’s still a chance that Barrett could be on the move this offseason, especially since the Raptors put him in trade talks regarding Ingram. It will be interesting to see what direction they plan on going and what they want their roster to look like for the future.</p><p>As for now, many are waiting to see the debut of Ingram with the Raptors and how he would fit with the current team.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Why Pelicans didn’t want RJ Barrett in Raptors’ Brandon Ingram trade

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-raptors-were-viewed-as-cavs-biggest-threat-in-deandre-hunter-trade');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Raptors were viewed as Cavs’ biggest threat in De’Andre Hunter trade talks');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Raptors-were-viewed-as-Cavs-biggest-threat-in-DeAndre-Hunter-trade-talks.jpg"><figcaption>ClutchPoints</figcaption></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Raptors were viewed as Cavs’ biggest threat in De’Andre Hunter trade talks</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-02-12T13:41:59-08:00">February 12th, 1:41pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-02-12T13:41:59-08:00">February 12th, 1:41pm</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Cleveland Cavaliers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Cleveland Cavaliers viewed the Toronto Raptors as their <a href="https://marcstein.substack.com/p/jake-fischer-latest-inside-the-brandon" rel="noopener">biggest competition</a> in trade discussions for De’Andre Hunter before ultimately acquiring the forward at the trade deadline.</p><p>Fischer reported that league sources indicated the Raptors and Hawks had engaged in trade discussions about Hunter dating back to the 2023 NBA Draft, around the same time Atlanta was aggressively pursuing Pascal Siakam. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans and Hawks were separately exploring a trade framework that could have sent Brandon Ingram to Atlanta and Hunter to New Orleans.</p><p>Sources told Fischer that the Hawks had interest in acquiring Ingram, potentially moving center Clint Capela as part of a trade package. Atlanta viewed Ingram as an appealing target in an exchange for Hunter, but ultimately, the deal did not materialize.</p><h2><b>De’Andre Hunter’s breakout boosts Cavaliers as Raptors pivot to Brandon Ingram</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/DeAndre-Hunter-12-reacts-after-making-a-three-point-basket.jpg"><figcaption>© Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Hunter, 27, has taken a significant step forward this season, averaging a career-high 18.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 46.1% from the field and 39.8% from three-point range. His improved offensive production made him a coveted trade asset for multiple teams leading up to the deadline.</p><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/cavs-news-deandre-hunter-hawks-trade">Cavaliers, who lead the Eastern Conference with a 43-10 record, secured Hunter in a trade</a> with the Hawks. In exchange, Atlanta received guard Caris LeVert, forward Georges Niang, three second-round picks, and two pick swaps. The move strengthened Cleveland’s perimeter defense and provided additional scoring depth as they prepare for a deep playoff run.</p><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/raptors-trade-grade-for-blockbuster-brandon-ingram-deal-with-pelicans">Raptors, meanwhile, pivoted to a different trade route, eventually acquiring Ingram</a> from the Pelicans. Toronto sent Bruce Brown and Kelly Olynyk to New Orleans as part of the deal. Ingram, 27, is averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game while shooting 46.5% from the field and 37.4% from three this season. Shortly after the trade, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-raptors-brandon-ingram-trade-signals-desire-compete-next-year">he agreed to a three-year, $120 million contract extension</a>, securing his long-term future with the Raptors.</p><p>Toronto had been actively seeking value in return for expiring contracts, including Brown and Davion Mitchell. Brown, who was a key part of the Siakam trade to Indiana in January, was flipped to the Pelicans, while <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/heat-news-new-players-from-jimmy-butler-trade-sound-off-on-heat-culture">Mitchell was later moved to the Miami Heat</a> in exchange for a second-round pick.</p><p>The Raptors currently hold a 17-37 record, sitting 13th in the Eastern Conference. Although they missed out on Hunter, their acquisition of Ingram reflects the franchise’s effort to build around Scottie Barnes while remaining competitive. With Hunter now in Cleveland, Toronto will face him on Wednesday night as part of a Cavaliers team that has emerged as a legitimate contender this season.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Raptors were viewed as Cavs’ biggest threat in De’Andre Hunter trade talks

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-raptors-brandon-ingram-trade-leads-rj-barrett-speculation');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Raptors’ Brandon Ingram trade leads to RJ Barrett speculation');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Raptors-Brandon-Ingram-trade-leads-to-RJ-Barrett-speculation.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Raptors’ Brandon Ingram trade leads to RJ Barrett speculation</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-02-12T12:54:11-08:00">February 12th, 12:54pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-02-12T12:54:11-08:00">February 12th, 12:54pm</time><address><a>Jackson Stone</a>Jackson Stone is a Mercer University senior from Atlanta on track to graduate with a BA in communications. A lifelong sports lover, Jackson is a die-hard fan of all Atlanta teams. He joined ClutchPoints in 2023.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Recently, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-raptors-brandon-ingram-trade-signals-desire-compete-next-year">Toronto Raptors made one of the more surprising moves</a> of the NBA trade deadline by acquiring Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/raptors-news-brandon-ingram-120-million-contract-extension">Ingram has since signed an extension</a> with the franchise to keep him there the next three seasons, giving the Raptors another building block to work with.</p><p>Some have now pointed to wing RJ Barrett as a potentially awkward fit alongside Ingram and fellow forward Scottie Barnes, and recently, NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports <a href="https://marcstein.substack.com/p/jake-fischer-latest-inside-the-brandon?utm_source=post-email-title&amp;publication_id=392205&amp;post_id=157000422&amp;utm_campaign=email-post-title&amp;isFreemail=false&amp;r=39f60&amp;triedRedirect=true&amp;utm_medium=email" rel="noopener">shed light on</a> the Raptors’ long-term thinking regarding Ingram, per Marc Stein’s Substack.</p><p>“Ingram’s addition sparks a natural question about Barrett’s fit in all this, since he’s another wing scorer who holds a $25-plus million salary,” reported Fischer. “…Barrett (is) someone who has to be monitored as a potential trade candidate once the offseason arrives.”</p><h2><b>A potentially awkward fit</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Barrett-celebrates.jpg"><figcaption>Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>While Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, and Scottie Barnes will certainly make for a formidable trio who can make things happen on both ends of the floor, there will be questions as to whether or not the team would be better off investing some of its resources into other positions of the floor, including most notably point guard, where Toronto lacks a reliable option at the current juncture.</p><p>Toronto could also use as much shooting as they can get, as Gradey Dick and Immanuel Quickley are the only two reliable threats that opposing teams have to gameplan for currently.</p><p>Ingram’s integration into the lineup should solve some of the team’s floor spacing issues, as the former Pelican can score from multiple levels and also create his own shot when he needs to. Ingram also gives the Raptors a degree of defensive versatility due to his immense wingspan and athleticism.</p><p>Still, there will be plenty of questions this offseason as to how Masai Ujiri and company want to allocate their remaining resources, and whether or not moving Barrett may be a part of their plan to do so.</p><p>In any case, the Raptors will take the court for the final time before the All-Star break on Wednesday evening at home vs the Cleveland Cavaliers.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Raptors’ Brandon Ingram trade leads to RJ Barrett speculation

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-raptors-brandon-ingram-trade-signals-desire-compete-next-year');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Raptors’ Brandon Ingram trade signals desire to ‘compete next year’');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/NBA-rumors-Raptors-Brandon-Ingram-trade-signals-desire-to-compete-next-year.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Raptors’ Brandon Ingram trade signals desire to ‘compete next year’</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-02-12T10:32:43-08:00">February 12th, 10:32am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-02-12T10:32:43-08:00">February 12th, 10:32am</time><address><a>Jackson Stone</a>Jackson Stone is a Mercer University senior from Atlanta on track to graduate with a BA in communications. A lifelong sports lover, Jackson is a die-hard fan of all Atlanta teams. He joined ClutchPoints in 2023.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Recently, many in the NBA world were confused <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/raptors-trade-grade-for-blockbuster-brandon-ingram-deal-with-pelicans">when the Toronto Raptors traded</a> for New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram right before the deadline. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/raptors-news-brandon-ingram-120-million-contract-extension">Ingram has since signed a three-year extension</a> with the Raptors, giving the team a building block to work with for the foreseeable future.</p><p>The big splash seemed to contradict the notion that the Raptors were embracing a full-on rebuild, as had been indicated by some of their other recent moves, and now, more <a href="https://marcstein.substack.com/p/nba-trade-season-latest-brandon-ingram" rel="noopener">light is being shed</a> on what exactly Masai Ujiri and company are cooking.</p><p>“They want to compete starting next year,” said one NBA source, per Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer (via Marc Stein on Substack).</p><p>Even last year when the Raptors traded away stalwarts OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam, “team officials were already telling rivals that they valued established players as much as they valued future draft picks,” reported Fischer.</p><h2><b>Can the Raptors compete?</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Ingram-vs-the-Thunder.jpg"><figcaption>Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, and RJ Barrett figure to form an intriguing trio of wing players who can thrive on both ends of the floor and impose their size on other teams. Add to that the scoring punch of Immanuel Quickley and Gradey Dick, and the Raptors could have something interesting brewing.</p><p>Still, the roster is lacking several key things, including a clear number one option, as well as a true point guard to help distribute the ball to those playmakers, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Ujiri try to find one or both of those things through free agency or the draft this summer.</p><p>In the meantime, Ingram is still sidelined with the same injury that kept him out through the end of his tenure with the Pelicans, rendering it unlikely that the Raptors will be able to climb out of the steep hole they currently find themselves occupying in the Eastern Conference.</p><p>Still, for a fanbase that hasn’t tasted much success since their 2019 NBA championship, things just got a whole lot more intriguing.</p><p>The Raptors will take the floor for the final time before the All-Star break on Wednesday evening vs the Cleveland Cavaliers.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Raptors’ Brandon Ingram trade signals desire to ‘compete next year’

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-insider-dishes-multi-team-deal-involving-jimmy-butler-pelicans-raptors');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Insider dishes on multi-team deal involving Jimmy Butler, Pelicans, Raptors');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Insider-dishes-on-multi-team-deal-involving-Jimmy-Butler-Pelicans-Raptors.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Insider dishes on multi-team deal involving Jimmy Butler, Pelicans, Raptors</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-02-04T10:33:47-08:00">February 4th, 10:33am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-02-04T11:21:52-08:00">February 4th, 11:21am</time><address><a>Jackson Stone</a>Jackson Stone is a Mercer University senior from Atlanta on track to graduate with a BA in communications. A lifelong sports lover, Jackson is a die-hard fan of all Atlanta teams. He joined ClutchPoints in 2023.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Miami Heat</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>While the NBA still recovers from the aftershocks of the mind-boggling Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers trade, several big names remain on the market, including that of Miami Heat star forward Jimmy Butler. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-brian-windhorst-jimmy-butler-obsession-suns-trade">Butler has made no secrets</a> of his desire to take his talents out of South Beach, but as of yet, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-warriors-call-off-jimmy-butler-trade-pursuit-contract-extension-bombshell">Heat haven’t been able</a> to find a deal that makes sense for them moving forward.</p><p>There has been much speculation that a potential third team could be involved in a deal to help facilitate a Butler trade, and recently, NBA insider Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBLxE7GNV7g&amp;t=1546s" rel="noopener">dropped some insight</a> as to two potential candidates for such a role.</p><p>“Don’t forget about Brandon Ingram potentially being a matching salary back or somehow factoring in a multi-team construct with Toronto getting involved or just Toronto ending up coming in and taking on Brandon Ingram,” said Fischer, per Bleacher Report on YouTube. “That interest from the Raptors remains real from my understanding.”</p><p>Brandon Ingram makes about $36 million this year, while Butler makes $49 million, so if another salary in the $10-12 million range were added to the deal, Ingram could indeed be a helpful chip to help accelerate a Butler deal.</p><p>Meanwhile, Ingram would take a lot of the pressure off of Scottie Barnes in Toronto, giving the Raptors a legitimate perimeter scoring threat as well as some added versatility on the defensive end of the floor.</p><h2><b>Will Jimmy Butler get traded?</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Butler-vs-the-Blazers.jpg"><figcaption>Sam Navarro-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>A week or two ago, it seemed like a formality that Jimmy Butler would indeed get traded. However, with just 48 hours remaining until Thursday’s deadline, there’s growing concern over whether Pat Riley and company may be asleep at the wheel.</p><p>The fact that Luka Doncic was only able to net the Dallas Mavericks one (!) first round pick is certainly not going to make Heat fans very hopeful about a potential return for Butler, although it should be noted that teams like the Phoenix Suns who are theoretically desperate might be willing to swing for the fences.</p><p>In any case, the Heat have two more games before the trade deadline, starting on Tuesday evening on the road vs the Chicago Bulls.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

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