3 free agent guards Raptors could sign to replace Gary Trent Jr.

The Toronto Raptors are faced with the very real possibility of losing Gary Trent Jr. in free agency this offseason, as they might not be able to afford what promises to be a very high price tag on an ascending shooter that can fit in well on a variety of contending teams.

Trent, who averaged 17.4 points per game despite getting flipped between the starting lineup and the bench, is in the prime of his career. Even with his inconsistency, he is an above-average 3-point shooter who was one of the most productive players on a Raptors team that lacked proper offensive support.

Trent’s new contract might not reach nine figures, but he is going to come right up to the edge of that line. $20 million per year is not a crazy thought. With Fred VanVleet also poised to hit free agency and Jakob Poeltl’s alleged next contract kicking in, the Raptors might need to be more cost-effective in replacing him.

These three players can all provide a convincing (if less consistent facsimile) of Trent’s production for a much more economical price. The Raptors may be resigned to the idea of letting him go, but that doesn’t mean they need to take a lot of time with regard to finding a replacement.

3 Gary Trent Jr. replacements the Toronto Raptors must consider.

3. Donte DiVincenzo, Golden State Warriors

This won’t be the first time (nor the last) I will bang the DiVincenzo drum, but it’s hard to look at his playing style and see anything except a high-end shooter that would be a perfect fit on the Raptors’ bench. If he gets rid of his current contract with Golden State, he could come right in and produce in Toronto.

DiVincenzo averaged 9.4 points and 4.5 rebounds per game while nailing just under 40% of his 3-pointers. It goes without saying that playing as a complementary backcourt piece in Golden State doesn’t always afford him a ton of shots. Toronto, meanwhile, would give him a longer leash.

Donte DiVincenzo could thrive with the Toronto Raptors.

DiVincenzo is by no means an ideal ball-handler, but he can accomplish that task and keep the offense flowing at a satisfactory enough rate to earn a contract with Toronto that compensates him well and finally puts an end to the rotating door of backup point guard options.

DiVincenzo was narrowly scooped up by the Raptors last year in free agency, but a competitive offer from the Warriors beat them out. Masai Ujiri needs to give it one more go, as he could fill a big need if Trent leaves while also remaining extremely cost-effective.