Report: Kevin Durant Not Expected to Be Dealt By Deadline

The Brooklyn Nets are not expected to trade Kevin Durant ahead of the trade deadline despite interest from multiple teams

The Toronto Raptors can give up on the Kevin Durant dream at least for now.

The Brooklyn Nets are reportedly amid ongoing conversations with the 34-year-old superstar and have told inquiring teams that they do not plan to trade Durant ahead of Thursday's trade deadline, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Multiple teams had reportedly inquired about Durant following Kyrie Irving's trade request and eventual trade to Dallas. The Phoenix Suns were reportedly preparing to pursue Durant should he be made available, according to Chris Haynes.

The Raptors were considered one of Durant's most likely landing sports this past summer when the Nets forward demanded a trade out of Brooklyn. The Nets reportedly wanted Scottie Barnes as the centerpiece of a package for Durant but Toronto refused to include the reigning Rookie of the Year in a deal, ultimately ending trade talks, per multiple reports.

It always seemed unlikely Toronto would be able to work out a deal for Durant during this season. Between the size of his contract and Toronto's lackluster record this year, Durant was unlikely to be moved to the Raptors.

Should Brooklyn's season come to an end unceremoniously in the playoffs, it's possible Durant renews his desire to be traded in the offseason. Toronto would once again become one of the most likely landing spots with its full arsenal of draft picks and a war chest of valuable young players.

Further Reading

Report: Raptors unlikely to move Pascal Siakam despite widespread interest

Raptors end road trip on a high but changes loom as Toronto returns home

Report: Nets have reached out to Raptors with trade interest