Buy or sell on latest batch of Toronto Raptors trade rumors

Toronto Raptors fans have started getting the trade machines up and running in the last few days, as the team’s 13-14 record and poor offensive play have many begging for a change. Names like Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr. have been put firmly in the trade crosshairs.

The roster, as it is currently constructed, has holes that will prevent the Raptors from becoming true contenders. The team lacks consistent shooting and guard depth, and the combination of those two issues and some bad injury luck have made it tough to get into a rhythm.

If the Raptors make no moves, it’s hard to see them making an extended run without working Pascal Siakam to the point of bursting. Masai Ujiri is keenly aware of that fact. With some big contract decisions to make, Toronto will be on the phone frequently in January and February.

The rumor mill is starting to churn heavily as pieces linking Raptors players to other teams pop up left and right. Which reports could end up becoming true, and which ones sound like more noise rattling around the NBA landscape not backed by substance?

Buy or sell recent Toronto Raptors rumors

3. Is Gary Trent Jr. gone?

Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus quoted one unnamed source who said that they “don’t think [the Raptors] want to keep Trent.” Considering the fact that Trent can opt out of his contract at the end of this season, he’s been considered the most likely state to be moved.

Trading Trent at a time when the Raptors have one of the worst offenses in the league makes no sense. Trent has averaged just under 20 points per game since November 30, showing that his move to the bench has actually helped get him back on the right track. His once-mocked defensive effort looks to have straightened up as well.

The Toronto Raptors have a standout in Gary Trent Jr.

The Raptors will assuredly keep Siakam, and there is almost no chance O.G. Anunoby will get moved. However, the Raptors can still improve this team in a fairly significant way without trading away Trent. If they don’t get a knockdown shooter in return, they will have foolishly parted with an ascending young guard who can shoot.

While Ujiri and Nick Nurse think they can build the whole team out of switchable 6-8 wings, the results this year have shown how catastrophic the results can be when this strategy fails. Trent has a golden opportunity to show the Raptors just how vital he is to their plan.

Verdict: Sell