Raptors News & Rumors (Photo : REUTERS)
Kevin Durant will be the cream of the crop of free-agents next summer and is expected to receive lucrative offers from multiple teams, thanks to 'salary cap explosion' projected to happen a year from now.
The Oklahoma City Thunder is still the favorite to retain their superstar because they can surround him the best supporting cast than any team could offer, while the Washington Wizards are viewed as the legit front-runner to land the former MVP because of its lure of playing home.
Big market teams like the Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers are also anticipated to put their name into the mix of contenders vying for the service of perhaps the most explosive scorer in this era. But unknown to many, there's another under-the-radar suitor waiting to bob out of nowhere and make a serious run at Durant.
The Toronto Raptors are here and their presence will be felt even more in the summer of 2016 as one of serious suitors for Durant. And although they aren't known much of attracting superstar free-agents over the years, the Raps have certain appeal to Durant than anyone would think.
Sleek Uniforms
The Raptors have never been out of style when it comes to uniforms. Durant knows this very much, admitting that he liked the Vince Carter-led team with their Dinosaur uniform on growing up. Last week, the Raptors introduced their new set of uniforms, which gained tremendous raves from critics and basketball fans. If Durant will be picking his next team based on the best uniform, the Raptors will be up there for sure.
The #Raptors have unveiled their new uniforms: http://t.co/FCkaZf3g4w #NBA #RTZ pic.twitter.com/Ec8sxISoHk
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 4, 2015
Connection with Drake
Last weekend, Drake busted out fresh alternate uniform at OVO Fest in Toronto, and coincidentally, the Thunder star was there chilling out with fellow All-Star DeMar DeRozan. His presence north of the border certainly reignited rumors north of the border. But it would have never happened without Drake's 'connection' with sporting stars.
Setting his theatrics and on-going feud Meek Mill aside, Drake is one recruiting powerhouse that could change the tide in next year's free-agency. Although the Raptors have reportedly severed their ties with the rap star, it's hard to argue that it was just done just to avoid penalties from the NBA for tampering. Drake will always be Raptors' biggest asset in getting stars play in Toronto.
Weaker Division, Weaker Conference, Better Shot at Finals
Shifting from the brutal Western Conference to less rabid Eastern Conference will greatly improve Durant's chance of playing for the championship. And while suitors like the Wizards, Knicks, Nets and Heat are all in East, the Raptors have the right mix of youth and veterans to keep their championship window open over the next half decade.
The Wizards may have a dynamic backcourt duo in John Wall and Bradley Beal, but their frontcourt of Nene Hilario and Marcin Gortat are already at the twilight years of their careers. Same can be said to the Heat with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, who have never been so vulnerable to injuries the past two seasons.
The Knicks and Nets, meanwhile, are still years away to actually becoming legit contenders at least in the East following a series of moves that put them at the infant stage of rebuilding.
The Raptors are ready to take off this season despite two consecutive years of playoff disappointments. Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan are both at the prime age, while 23-year old Jonas Valanciunas are projected to break out this year with Amir Johnson now gone.
The Raptors have lorded over the Atlantic Division the past two seasons and there's no reason why they won't take the title once again this year after re-calibrating their lineup with more defense. Another successful campaign, perhaps reaching the conference finals, will surely elevate them up there as one of the top destination for Durant.
