NBA Rumors: Raptors "Unwilling To Part With" Scottie Barnes

As the rumors continue to swirl on the Kevin Durant trade front, with everyone who's anyone in NBA circles insisting that the Toronto Raptors would have to give up Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes in any Durant trade, a new report has surfaced today that should help ease Raptor fans nerves. According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, Barnes isn't likely to be going anywhere.

Multiple sources with knowledge of the situation say the Raptors are unwilling to part with reigning Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes.

Important note in regards to Ayton or Durant possibly going to Toronto in any package:

"Multiple sources with knowledge of the situation say the Raptors are unwilling to part with reigning Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes."#NBATwitter https://t.co/1ZE2iohUin pic.twitter.com/WTRQttJz8b

— 𝙏𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙞𝙣’ 𝙉𝘽𝘼 (@_Talkin_NBA) July 6, 2022

Barnes is 20 years old, with unlimited upside and superstar potential, so the fact that Masai Ujiri is unwilling to part with him shouldn't come as a surprise. He averaged 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists to earn Rookie of the Year honors. 

But Toronto does have multiple other very talented star-worthy pieces that could be somehow packaged into a deal, if the Brooklyn Nets are still interested.

Other teams, such as the New Orleans Pelicans and Boston Celtics have started to enter the Durant Trade Sweepstakes conversation as well, putting even more pressure on Durant's chosen destinations of the Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat to come up with a suitable offer that works. 

Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports