With the Kevin Durant era over, all the pressure is now on Russel Westbrook's shoulders to get the Oklahoma City Thunder back into the playoffs. But the franchise is doing the best that it can in putting pieces together to form a strong roster that could get some load off of Westbrook. NBA trade rumors have it that the Thunder might trade Enes Kanter to get Terrence Ross and Patrick Patterson from the Toronto Raptors.
According to the Inquistr, NBA trade rumors have been spreading that the Thunder and Raptors are reportedly negotiating a deal among the three players. The deal that would have the Thunder send Kanter to the Raptors and in exchange for Ross and Patterson is a valid transaction that meets NBA trade rules as per ESPN NBA trade machine.
Sportsrageous reported that the Thunder are willing to let Kanter go to help improve the team this year. Ross and Patterson would be good fits for the Thunder's fast paced game and both players could also add size and depth to the team's roster.
The Toronto Raptors would also benefit from the deal since they are in need of a big man that could start or come off the bench. Kanter is averaging 12.4 PPG, 7.1 RPG and 0.5 BLKPG this season and he could really help the Raptors make another run for this season's playoffs.
The Raptors had a shot last season to make an appearance in the 2016 NBA finals but they were shut down by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Now, the Raptors front office seems to have figured that they lack frontcourt depth.
In the Easter Conference finals, the Raptors had problems with their starting center Jonas Valenciunas having injuries. It cost them big time having no back-up center to fill in for Valenciunas' spot during the conference finals.
These NBA trade rumors involving the three players would definitely help both team's rosters. If the trade turns out well, they might even face each other next year in the finals.
