The 2022-23 NBA season has been an up-and-down thus far for the Toronto Raptors. They have yet to rise more than two games above the .500 mark and recently endured a six-game losing streak that was snapped on Wednesday night against the red-hot New York Knicks.
They are a team that a lot of people are keeping an eye on as the trade deadline will be here before we know it. It is only a matter of time before they make a trade, whether it is a cost-saving move to acquire future assets or to upgrade the team for a playoff push.
This is a playoff-caliber team when going right, but they desperately need some help on the interior as they need a true center. If they are going to upgrade, Gary Trent Jr. will reportedly be the player they build a trade package around.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Trent’s name was brought up a lot at the G League Showcase in Las Vegas.
“According to numerous NBA executives who spoke with HoopsHype at the G League Showcase, the top Raptors trade candidate is unanimously Gary Trent Jr.
The current belief from those executives is Trent Jr. will opt out of his $18.8 million player option and enter unrestricted free agency this summer. Two executives told HoopsHype they believe Trent could earn $20 million or more if he entered unrestricted free agency. There’s skepticism amongst several front offices across the league that Toronto would be willing to retain Trent Jr. if he eclipses the $20 million annual range.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Gary Trent Jr & Toronto Raptors Updates
It is surprising to no one that Trent is giving strong consideration to declining his player option and opting out of his deal. Only 23 with high-level scoring chops and upside defensively, Trent should be able to secure a lucrative long-term deal worth north of $20 million annually with relative ease.
For example, Duncan Robinson signed a contract that pays him an average of $18 million and he didn’t possess anywhere near the upside of Trent. Robinson’s contract is one that the Miami Heat are already regretting as he was removed from the rotation altogether near the end of the 2021-22 campaign.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Gary Trent Jr & Toronto Raptors Updates
Trent is also showing improvement in his game. While his 3-point shooting is down this season overall, he has expanded his offensive game, becoming a more efficient scorer on 2-point attempts, making a career-high 52.3 percent of his shot attempts inside the arc. Among the leaders in steals per game as well, Trent has what it takes to be an impactful two-way player.
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