NBA Rumors: Are the Nets and Raptors close on a major trade?

The trade deadline is just days away, and it appears that both the Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets are discussing blockbuster deals. The Nets are fresh off trading superstar Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks but are still actively looking to upgrade their roster.

This is despite teams inquiring about the availability of Kevin Durant, who asked for a trade this past summer. Perhaps that explains why they’ve sought out the Raptors, hoping to add more talent and prevent a full teardown.

Meanwhile, the Raptors, as they are currently constructed, don’t appear capable of competing for a championship. That’s why Team President Masai Ujuri has been active in trying to restructure the roster.

What is the proposed trade?

According to Mike A. Scotto, the framework of a potential deal would include Pascal Siakam for Ben Simmons and Nic Claxton.

Considering that Adrian Wojnarowski also mentioned that the Nets were trying to expand the Irving deal to include the Raptors, it seems that there is definitely truth to the report.

Giving up both Simmons and Claxton would leave the Nets thin at center, and they had already been looking for an upgrade at backup center prior to the proposed trade.

However, acquiring a star in Siakam is likely necessary to keep their superstar, Durant, happy. Additionally, were this deal to happen, the Nets could always make a smaller move, such as trading for San Antonio Spurs backup center Zach Collins. Or, since the Spurs were previously expected to be the third team in an Irving deal, the Nets could instead try to rope them into a potential Raptors trade.

This hypothetical three-team trade works for all involved. The Raptors add a Defensive Player of the Year candidate at center in Claxton, the enigmatic star Simmons, and a 2028 first-round pick for their troubles.

The Nets get another star to replace Irving and to pair with Durant; they also cut their losses with Simmons and add an above-average starting center in Poeltl. Meanwhile, the Spurs, who’ve been seeking two first-round picks for Poeltl, get what they’ve been seeking from Brooklyn.

Ultimately, it seems the Nets aren’t done making deals ahead of the deadline. However, with the Raptors having several highly sought-after players, any proposed trade is far from a done deal.