Raptors rumors: Executives believe Gary Trent Jr. will leave Toronto

The Toronto Raptors will likely try everything in their power to retain their trio of potential free agents, but Gary Trent Jr. might be the most difficult of that group to retain. Given how well he has played for the Raptors, this will certainly come off as a crushing loss.

Trent has averaged at least 17 points per game in consecutive seasons, all while being one of the few players on this team that was above average from 3-point range. His departure is purely for economic reasons rather than competitive ones, as this roster has several big deals to hand out.

With Fred VanVleet in line for a whopping nine-figure deal in free agency and the Raptors committed to making sure Jakob Poeltl ends up becoming a player that thrives in their system, executives around the league seem to be of the mindset that Trent is on his way out.

Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report stated that many decision-makers around the league believe Trent is as good as gone in Toronto. This would be a disappointing way for his tenure with the Raptors to end, as it makes an offensively-challenged team even worse.

Toronto Raptors expected to part with Gary Trent Jr.

While Trent has said all the right things about his ever-changing role, it had to irk him that he was benched twice during his contract season. Nick Nurse might be gone, but Trent is likely in line for another bench role if he returns to the Raptors. Why would he sign up for that?

Fred VanVleet is by no means a perfect point guard, but the only way the Raptors can resign Trent without bringing VanVleet back is hoping that Scottie Banres has become a high-end point-forward and ball-handler. Signing Trent, Poeltl, and VanVleet will leave Toronto completely inflexible.

Trent will not have to wait very long before other teams start to blow up his agents’ phone. Guards who can shoot, score, create, and generate turnovers on defense should be one of the hottest tickets on the market. He’s still young, so he is still entering his prime.

The Raptors did well to acquire Trent for Norman Powell, but their partnership coul be coming to an end due to Toronto’s financial situation. Trent has played his behind off for the Raptors, and his tenure will likely be looked back on fondly by Raptors fans.