Ahead of the 2021-22 season, Gary Trent Jr. signed a three-year, $51.8 million deal with the Toronto Raptors. Trent Jr. was traded to the team during the 2020-21 season from Portland. Last year was Trent Jr.’s final season of his three-year deal with the Raptors, making him a free agent this offseason.
Raptors’ beat reporter Josh Lewenberg noted that the team had an offer of a $15 million annual salary for Trent Jr. However, his camp turned down that deal and told them he wanted $25 million a year. That decision proved to be unfavorable for Trent Jr. as the Raptors withdrew their initial offer and are reportedly willing to move on from him this offseason.
Where will Gary Trent Jr. play in 2024-25?
The Toronto Raptors are expected to move on from Gary Trent Jr. after he declined their offer and sought $25 million annually from them, per @JLew1050
“Per a source, the Raptors were willing to bring the sharpshooter back at an annual salary of around $15 million when the… pic.twitter.com/dWq57o3zAs
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 9, 2024
In the 2018 Draft, Gary Trent Jr. was a second-round pick by the Sacramento Kings. However, the Kings traded his draft rights to the Trail Blazers, where Trent Jr. began his career. He played 117 games for the Raptors over two and a half seasons before being traded in 2020-21 to the Toronto Raptors. Trent Jr. played 17 games for Toronto after the trade and received a contract extension that offseason. Following the long-term deal, Trent Jr. had the best season of his career.
During the 2021-22 campaign, Trent Jr. averaged a career-high 18.3 points, 1.7 steals, and 35.0 minutes per game. He also played in a career-high 70 games and made 69 starts. However, his production in 2023-24 dropped to 13.7 points and 28.1 minutes per game. It was the first time since 2019-20 that he didn’t average at least 30 minutes per game. With his production decreasing, the Raptors requested Trent Jr. to take a pay cut, which he refused by declining the team’s $15 million annual salary. Consequently, it is highly unlikely that he will play for the Raptors in 2024-25.
(@JLew1050)
Gary Trent Jr. would be “lucky to get the mid-level exception.”
He’s linked to the Los Angeles Lakers as a possible player for them. pic.twitter.com/Q5IjdJ4ni6
— 🎗NBA•Fan🎗 (@Klutch_23) July 9, 2024
One team Trent Jr. is linked to is the Los Angeles Lakers. However, they would only be able to sign him for about half of the non-taxpayers mid-level exemption, a method for teams over the cap to add free agents. Sources around the league have indicated that Trent Jr. could be a valuable floor-spacer for Los Angeles, given his efficient three-point scoring and defensive skills. The Lakers could benefit from his production off the bench next season. The 25-year-old’s destination this offseason remains to be seen.