Stunning Gary Trent Jr. struggles are making Raptors extension less likely

On the list of potential problems the Toronto Raptors were staring down as the 2023 season got rolling, Gary Trent Jr. had to be way down on the list, if on it at all. Over the last few years, Trent has emerged as the dynamic gunner who can stroke it from 3-point range that many fans and observers want the Raptors to add more of.

Trent has been a model citizen since coming to Toronto. Between his decision to pick up his player option amid some genuine interest in him on the open market and his willingness to accept a Sixth Man role while Dennis Schroder became the starter, Trent showed a commitment to winning under new coach Darko Rajakovic.

His contract season, much like that of teammate Pascal Siakam, has gotten off to about the worst start one could imagine. Trent is averaging just 9.5 points per game while making a pathetic 32% of his shots from the field and 30% of his shots from 3-point range.

The Raptors could give Trent a new contract, which would make sense for a team that already lacks in shooting and second-unit scoring to begin with. However, Masai Ujiri has to have severe hesitations about a deal if Trent sustains this level of poor play, an extension might be hard to come by.

The Toronto Raptors need more from Gary Trent Jr. to extend him.

The Raptors have no choice but to continue leaning on Trent in these uncertain times, as he is one of the few players on this roster with a history of being an above-average shooter from 3-point range. The streaky Trent has been ice-cold this season, and the bench as a whole is suffering.

No matter how well the starters play, their efforts will routinely be wasted by a bench that isn’t NBA-quality at this point in time. Gradey Dick is a teenager with six games under his belt, new signing Jalen McDaniels has been incredibly disappointing, and Precious Achiuwa is a wild card.

If Trent doesn’t get it together, the whole bench will keep suffering.

Trent may have active hands that can force turnovers, but that shill has been de-emphasized as Rajakovic transitions away from the risky, more chaotic defense Nick Nurse installed. As a result, Trent’s value has been placed almost entirely on his shooting, and he’s struggling right now.

It’s one thing for the Raptors not to add lots of great shooters, but it’s another to have one return only to stunningly regress in his contract season. Trent’s streakiness likely means a hot streak is coming, but his lows have played a big part in Toronto’s 2-4 start.

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