The past few weeks have been a real struggle for the Toronto Raptors. With a 2-8 record in their last ten games and a six game losing streak in the process, the Raptors have a 13-18 record this season. In the year After winning the NBA Finals in 2019, the Raptors still have a strong young core to continue to build around. However, one Raptor is expected to opt out of the player option at the end of the season.
Gary Trent Jr. is having another strong season for the Raptors in his third season with the team. For the 2022-23 season, Trent Jr. averaged (16.9) points, (2.0) rebounds, (1.4) assists and (1.6) steals per game. He’s clearly an important part of the Raptors’ team, but if he feels like he’s earning more, he could look for more money elsewhere. The 23-year-old is the fourth leading scorer in a single game against the Raptors this season.
NBA betting sites have the Raptors (+5500) to win the Finals this season.
Back to the road ✈️
it is. @TangerineHoops Raptors game day pic.twitter.com/fXFe94tgmc
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) December 21, 2022
Trent Jr. is expected to be out of the player option for next season
The Ohio native has gotten better in each of his six NBA seasons. Trent Jr. shot 41 percent from the field and 38 percent from behind the arc. His defense is also a calling card of his young career. He has averaged at least 1.1 steals over the past three seasons. Elite Defense will help him get a much-deserved second contract.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reports that Trent Jr. is expected to decline his $18.6 million player option for next season. He believes that the Raptors are not interested in keeping him for a long time.
“According to several NBA executives who spoke with HopsUp at the G League Showcase, the consensus trade candidate for the Raptors is Gary Trent Jr.” – Michael Scott
There is strong belief around the league that Trent Jr. will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the summer. He could try to maximize his earnings and enter free agency to ask for $20 million or more. Many NBA front offices doubt the Raptors would expect him to hit the $20 million annual range.
