Despite being in 13th place in the Eastern Conference this season with a 17-37 record, the Toronto Raptors were reportedly viewed as a candidate to trade for Kevin Durant or Jimmy Butler prior to last week's NBA trade deadline.

The Phoenix Suns (27-29) and Scottie Barnes’ Toronto Raptors (17-39) square off at Scotiabank Arena on Sunday, February 23, beginning at 6:00 PM ET.The Suns came out on top in their last

Though he never has suited up for the Raptors in his 17-year career, Kevin Durant has deep admiration for Canada's lone NBA franchise.

The Raptors don’t get much of a spotlight in the U.S. unless the team is a contender. That said, Barnes still managed to win rookie of the year over the likes of Evan Mobley and Cade Cunningham, so the message got out on him that year at least and he also has made an all-star appearance.

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, seen here driving past Raptors centre Jakob Poeltl (19) and Immanuel Quickley, is the top NBA scorer in Toronto against the Raptors. Kevin Durant has been known to produce big numbers — including two 51-point games — when he visits Toronto to face the Raptors.

Scottie Barnes led the Toronto Raptors to a dominant 127-109 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night. A big reason for the Raptors securing a hard-fought win in the comforts of Scotiabank Arena was undoubtedly the tremendous defensive effort from Barnes.

For Scottie Barnes, matching up with Kevin Durant was another opportunity to prove he's an elite defender. The Raptors star was more than up to the task on Sunday.