The regression of the Toronto Raptors is something that many teams around the NBA are hoping continues in the coming weeks as we inch closer and closer to the deadline. It will make the hard decisions they have to make over the next year and a half tougher, potentially presenting other franchises with a chance to capitalize.
Toronto is currently riding a four-game losing streak, dropping their record to 13-16. They are in 10th place in the Eastern Conference and holding onto the final spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
There are a lot of pieces to like on this roster, as it is a talented team. But they still lack a true center, and things could look a lot different come the 2023 offseason when Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr. could opt out of their contracts and seek long-term deals.
The Raptors have to decide if those two players, along with Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby, are the core they want to continue moving forward with or if they will adjust and start building around second-year forward Scottie Barnes Jr. According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, there are teams around the league hoping that it is the latter. But, he doesn’t see things unfolding in that fashion.
“But more realistically, the Raptors will fight to avoid the play-in, compete and answer their more essential questions later. If there’s one player who doesn’t stick through the deadline, it’s Trent.
Trent (almost 24) would fit with any team looking to add a wing scorer who can defend. The Suns, Lakers, Warriors, Hawks and Heat could be interested.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Gary Trent Jr & Toronto Raptors Updates
Trent, along with Anunoby, have been involved in the most trade rumors the last few months and it sounds like if they are going to make a move, it will be Trent as the centerpiece. With Anunoby taking another step forward in his development and arguably the best defender in the NBA, it makes sense that Toronto would want to keep him.
The list of teams that could be interested in Trent likely goes beyond the five that Pincus listed. Given his age, scoring ability and capability on defense, he would be a popular player on the trade market. But, his value could take a hit as teams know he is likely opting out to sign a lucrative long-term deal in the offseason.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Gary Trent Jr & Toronto Raptors Updates
The Duke product is more than a typical 3-and-D wing as he has vastly improved his efficiency on 2-point shots this season. Alas, he does leave something to be desired in other areas as he doesn’t rebound much and hasn’t made too many strides as a playmaker. But, his scoring and defense are well worth the price that he will likely demand on the open market.
