Multiple executives view Raptors shooting guard Gary Trent Jr. as the team’s most likely trade candidate ahead of the February deadline, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Scotto spoke to the executives at this week’s G League Showcase. The Raptors have won just two of their previous 10 games and dropped to 10th in the Eastern Conference standings — leading those across the NBA to believe changes could be on the way.
“The current belief from those executives is Trent Jr. will opt out of his $18.8 million player option and enter unrestricted free agency this summer,” Scotto wrote. “Two executives told HoopsHype they believe Trent could earn $20 million or more if he entered unrestricted free agency.
“There’s skepticism amongst several front offices across the league that Toronto would be willing to retain Trent Jr. if he eclipses the $20 million annual range.”
In other words, it might be wise for the Raptors to move him now, and perhaps try to save the season in the process, as opposed to waiting until the summer.
That said, it is also believed that the Raptors are not quite ready to mail it in and be all-out “sellers” before the deadline. If moves do come, they are seemingly more likely to take place about four or five weeks from now, only after the Raptors see if things correct themselves.
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