3 teams who may tempt Gary Trent Jr. to bolt Raptors after 2023

1. Minnesota Timberwolves

Taking a discount to go back to his hometown team is always something that teams need to worry about when an impact player hits the market. The Rudy Gobert trade signaled that Minnesota is going all-in and trying to be a consistent playoff picture in the West.

The Timberwolves could decide to let D’Angelo Russell and his $31 million salary walk in the offseason. If they are confident in Anthony Edwards as a ball-dominant player, getting Trent to play off-ball alongside Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns would be a viable long-term core in the West.

Will Gary Trent Jr. leave the Toronto Raptors for his hometown team?

2022-23 will be critical for Minnesota if they want to become a marquee free agent destination. If Gobert and Edwards fail to mesh, Trent would likely have no interest in joining a disappointing team that lacks the draft picks needed to compete down the line.

If Trent gets seduced by the promise of a huge contract that lands him back in Minnesota, he could be inclined to leave Toronto. The Raptors have a strong infrastructure in place, but their style of basketball would take a massive hit if Trent bolts.