In an intriguing move that sets the stage for the Toronto Raptors’ eventful free agency, it was announced on Tuesday that Gary Trent Jr. has decided to exercise his player option for the 2023–2024 season, worth a substantial $18.5 million. This decision comes shortly after Fred VanVleet opted out of his player option, demonstrating the significance of player options in contract negotiations. Essentially, a player can choose to honor the final year of their contract or become a free agent by opting out.
Prior to Tuesday’s announcement, many anticipated that Trent Jr. would follow VanVleet’s lead and explore his options in free agency. When he signed his contract in the summer of 2021, he had just joined the Raptors after being traded from the Portland Trail Blazers at the 2021 trade deadline. Despite playing on a struggling Tampa Bay Raptors team, Trent Jr. displayed promise, prompting the Raptors to take a closer look at his potential.
Over the past two seasons, Trent Jr. has progressed from a bench player to a starting-caliber shooting guard and then temporarily back to the bench. He has experienced significant growth but has also faced challenges in maintaining consistency. Let’s examine his statistics from his two full seasons with the Raptors:
- 2021–2022: 18.3 points, 2.0 assists, 1.7 steals, 2.7 rebounds, 38.3% three-point shooting, 35 minutes per game.
- 2022–2023: 17.4 points, 1.6 assists, 1.6 steals, 2.6 rebounds, 36.9% three-point shooting, 32.1 minutes per game.
As evident from these figures, Trent Jr. experienced a slight dip in his performance during the past season. He faced challenges with injuries, endured a shooting slump, and was primarily utilized as a bench player after the trade deadline. Nevertheless, at only 24 years old, he possesses tremendous potential, works diligently, and exhibits a remarkable shooting ability, especially from beyond the arc. Furthermore, he has made strides in his defensive skills since joining the team. Some question Trent Jr. after his 2-point performance in the Play-In Tournament against the Chicago Bulls, and it’s up to him to put it right.
Realistically, Trent Jr.’s decision to opt into his player option can be attributed to a combination of factors. While he is undoubtedly a talented player, his slight statistical decline and rapid growth over the past two seasons may have influenced his choice to forgo the uncertainty of free agency and secure his $18.5 million. Moreover, reports indicate that Trent Jr. desires a long-term stay with the Raptors, and discussions between his team and the front office are underway for a possible contract extension.
However, this development raises an important question: Can the Raptors financially afford to retain Trent Jr.? Among all the upcoming free agents, it seemed most probable that the Raptors would allow Gary Trent Jr. to explore other options. After all, they have already invested significantly in Fred VanVleet, and it would be illogical to agree to the Jakob Poeltl trade and then let Trent Jr. walk away a few months later.
Does this mean Fred VanVleet is now more likely to depart in free agency? Are the Raptors planning to retain Trent Jr. or utilize him as a valuable asset in a larger trade? The unanswered questions continue to mount, particularly as the NBA Draft approaches.
As we approach the NBA Draft, the rumor mill is churning at full speed, with the Toronto Raptors frequently mentioned as key players in potential trade scenarios. Presently, they hold the 13th overall pick, but there are speculations that the front office is considering trading up for a higher selection.
The usual suspects in trade talks include Pascal Siakam and O.G. Anunoby, both highly sought-after talents in the NBA. Siakam’s versatility, scoring prowess, and height make him an attractive trade asset, while Anunoby is more than just a typical 3-and-D forward. Their names frequently arise in various trade discussions this week.
Adding to the complexity is the Raptors’ own stance. Speculation suggests that they are leaning towards a “re-tooling” approach rather than a complete rebuild this offseason. Consequently, it remains uncertain if they will make significant moves. If any major trades involving Siakam or Anunoby are to occur, they would likely take place before the NBA Draft on Thursday. Additionally, the team faces the task of retaining their free agents and potentially signing new players.
It’s natural to eagerly await the resolution of these matters to gain a clearer understanding of what to expect from the Toronto Raptors next season, and everything will be decided very soon. This is just another domino to fall.
