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The Toronto Raptors could pivot to a trade pursuit of Kevin Durant if Giannis Antetokounmpo doesn’t reach the open market, reports Jake Fischer. The Raptors could realistically assemble a trade package for Durant as opposed to the type of outlay required to win the bidding for Antetokounmpo.

The Raptors previously pursued Durant during the 2022 trade deadline upon his trade request from the Brooklyn Nets. Durant was beginning his four-year extension during that offseason and he is now entering the final season of the contract.

Toronto acquired Brandon Ingram at the trade deadline and signed him to a contract extension. The Raptors’ front office is believed to be under pressure to take a step towards being competitive again in the Eastern Conference. Multiple reporters have indicated that the Raptors are amongst the more active teams during the beginning of this transaction cycle.

The Raptors traded away Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby ahead of the 2024 trade deadline and their impending free agencies as they attempted to reset their roster around Scottie Barnes.

The New York Knicks are expected to formally request permission from the Dallas Mavericks to speak with Jason Kidd about their head coaching vacancy. The Knicks parted ways with Tom Thibodeau shortly after the end of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Some league sources have described the New York’s interest as “serious” and some believe Kidd is atop the team’s wish list. Kidd interviewed for the Knicks’ job with Leon Rose in 2020 when the job eventually went to Thibodeau. Kidd was head coach of the Mavericks in 2021-22 when Jalen Brunson had a breakout season before signing with the Knicks in free agency that offseason.

“I think the relationship that me and J-Kidd have is very unique,” Brunson said after becoming a Knick.

It is not yet known how the Mavericks will respond to the Knicks requesting permission to speak with Kidd. The Mavericks and Kidd signed a two-year extension in May 2024 during their run to the Finals. The Los Angeles Lakers were believed to have interest in hiring Kidd to replace Darvin Ham.

Kidd has been believed to be happy with the Mavericks despite their trade of Luka Doncic. Kidd was a key reason why the Mavericks felt comfortable trading for Kyrie Irving and the head coach also has a strong relationship with Anthony Davis.

The Knicks want an experienced head coach to replace Thibodeau, which could rule out a candidate such as Johnnie Bryant. Michael Malone, Mike Brown, Taylor Jenkins, Frank Vogel and Mike Budenholzer are amongst the more experienced free agent coaches.