Report: Raptors 'Remain Hesitant' to Include Scottie Barnes in Talks for Kevin Durant

The Toronto Raptors continue to remain reluctant to include Scottie Barnes in trade talks with the Brooklyn Nets for Kevin Durant

Even Kevin Durant can't sway the Toronto Raptors to part with Scottie Barnes.

Despite the Brooklyn Nets' interest in the Raptors' reigning Rookie of the Year, Toronto has so far been "hesitant" to include Barnes in trade talks, per HoopsHype's Michael Scotto.

Both Barnes and OG Anunoby have so far been considered too valuable to move this summer despite interest from around the league, Scotto added. Portland, in particular, tried to pry Anunoby loose early this summer before being turned down ahead of the draft by the Raptors.

"Logically speaking, a package centered around All-Star forward Pascal Siakam and Gary Trent Jr. could be Toronto’s starting point in trade talks [for Durant], but the Nets would certainly push for more," Scotto wrote.

Brooklyn is reportedly looking for a monumental offer including multiple draft picks and All-Star caliber players in return for Durant, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Toronto has both its full arsenal of draft picks and a roster packed with valuable young players. However, a reluctance to move Barnes may force Brooklyn to search elsewhere as the Durant stalemate continues into the summer.

Further Reading

Christian Koloko has been turning heads with his development since his early days at the 2017 Basketball Without Borders camp

Christian Koloko flashes defensive promise, Dalano Banton makes progress, & Raptors find success in Summer League opener

Nick Nurse says Raptors will have 'a lot of eyeballs' on Jeff Dowtin at Summer League