Toronto Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr. remains unsigned.
Before June 30, there were rumors suggesting Trent Jr. would be able to sign for a full mid-level exception with a contending team.
Given Toronto’s direction, it makes sense for a mutual parting of ways as the Raptors embrace a rebuild. Notably, with Immanuel Quickley, Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett taking on the majority of the team’s offense.
However, Trent Jr. averaged 13.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.1 steals on 42.6 percent shooting from the field and 39.3 percent shooting from three-point range this past season.
But as the market begins to dry up, this expectation of a mid-level exception may not pan out for him. According to Michael Grange of Sportsnet, he has ruled out out a potential return for Trent Jr. to the Raptors:
“Most talks Raptors had on GTJ [Gary Trent Jr.] were internal. There was not a formal offer, only framework discussions, per sources. After draft, w/ Gradey Dick & Ja’Kobe Walter’s priorities, Raptors told GTJ camp they were going in a different direction & both sides moved on.”
Unfortunately, he may have to postpone a pay day and take a discount this year and re-enter the market next summer. However, a playoff team could end up signing Trent Jr. on a tax payer mid-level exception for about $5 million.
After making $18.5 million last season, this is a huge setback for the 25-year-old as he looks for a new situation.
As Toronto now solidifies their guard room, Trent Jr.’s time with the Raptors is all but over. Nonetheless, it is time for Trent Jr. to get back into a winning situation and prove he can help contribute to a championship contending team.
Gary Trent Jr. opened up about unrestricted free agency
Leading up to his impending free agency, Trent Jr. had plenty of thoughts regarding a big summer for him.
In the end, he explained he simply wants to be in a situation where he is wanted.
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