The Toronto Raptors might be in the market for a cheaper shooting guard this offseason, as Gary Trent Jr. could be on the move. While he did struggle during the last few stretches of the season, Trent still provides a ton of traits that are in short supply on this team.
Trent averaged 17.4 points per game while providing more turnover generation on defense and an above-average 3-point shot that teams need to respect with a great degree of earnestness. While he didn’t end the year on a high note due to being flipped between the bench and starting lineup, he is poised to cash in.
Trent signed a $51.8 million contract with Toronto two years ago, but he could get a deal that could conceivably pay him around $20 million per season with more years attached if he chooses to opt out of the final year of his deal. If he has half a brain, that’s the best course of action.
The Raptors have to be well aware of the fact that they will not be the only team that will make a concerted effort to sign Trent in the offseason. These three teams will be right on his tail, and their offer might be enough to bring an end to Trent’s productive stint north of the border.
3 teams who could lure Gary Trent Jr. from the Toronto Raptors.
3. Houston Rockets
The Rockets have more cap space than anyone in the league, and the brash Ime Udoka has made no bones about the fact that he is going to turn the roster upside down and wipe the slate clean in the name of getting Houston back to the playoffs. If it’s purely a money thing, Trent could be headed to Texas.
The Rockets shot a ton of 3-pointers, but even the offensively-challenged Raptors were better from beyond the arc this season. Trent moving to Houston would help, as his smooth half-court creation skills will allow Jalen Green to operate with more space.
The Houston Rockets have the money to sign Gary Trent Jr.
Even with all of the rumors surrounding Green and the James Harden links, the Rockets need a few more big names in the backcourt if Udoka is serious about getting this team back in the postseason picture in the first year. Trent would suffice, all while filling a huge need.
With Houston in a position to add Victor Wembanyama or a more traditional wing like Brandon Miller with one of their first-round picks, Trent might find a new home here. The Raptors will likely prioritize Fred VanVleet, which could force Trent to see gainful employment elsewhere.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves
Trent is a local product who grew up in Minnesota, so the idea of going home might appeal to him. If they manage to retool their bench and find some ways to surround Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert with more scorers, Trent could be in line for a bigger role.
Imagine a three-guard lineup with Edwards and Mike Conley providing support next to Trent. Minnesota looks like they are one or two more names away from contending, as their series loss against Denver proved that they are not quite in that elite contending tier in the Western Conference.
Will Gary Trent Jr. leave the Toronto Raptors for his hometown team?
The Wolves are coached by Chris Finch, who runs a very similar scheme to what Toronto tried to implement with much more success. If Trent liked the style of play, but bristled at Nick Nurse, he could go somewhere that runs a very similar version of that offense.
Minnesota is so pot-committed to winning now due to the Gobert deal that being aggressive in free agency is a necessity. With new ownership led by Alex Rodriguez looking to compete, they could pay top dollar for a local star that fills a need, all while taking talent away from the Raptors.
1. New York Knicks
The Knicks’ run to the postseason has showed they are well ahead of schedule in their pursuit of a championship team, and they have enough flexibility to make another big addition. While the Knicks will likely try to add the next disgruntled star, they could scrap those plans to make sure Trent comes to town.
With RJ Barrett quickly going from godsend to pariah among a vocal contingent of Knicks fans, they could bring in one more valued perimeter player, all while sticking it to a division rival by taking away one of their best talents. Leon Rose has to have his eyes locked on Trent in the early stages of free agency.
The Knicks could steal Gary Trent Jr. from the Toronto Raptors.
The Knicks fell off hard after their No. 4 seed in 2021, and paying for Jalen Brunson helped them reverse course. In a tough division, their front office might look to swap out some underperforming players for young, ascending stars like Trent that won’t be too financially crippling.
The Raptors will likely try to bring Trent back, but rivals have to know that Toronto is pushed up against the limits of a tax threshold they don’t want to pay. Trent in orange and blue would feel like a knife in the back, especially if the Raptors don’t find a replacement in the draft or free agency.