Point guard Fred VanVleet and small forward Gary Trent Jr. are not expected to re-sign with the Toronto Raptors this summer, according to NBA insider Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report.
Both players can become unrestricted free agents this offseason by declining their 2023-24 player option.
“The franchise is deciding its direction, and many around the league believe Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr. won’t return (both have player options),” Pincus wrote. “Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby are heading into the final years of their contracts (Anunoby has a player option for 2024-25).
“Either the Raptors recommit fully to that group (the team doesn’t have a head coach yet) or go in a different direction entirely. Several competing executives anticipate Toronto will build around Scottie Barnes and young talent with deals leading into the NBA draft.”
VanVleet has been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic. The undrafted player averaged 19.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists this season while shooting 39.3% from the field, 34.2% from beyond the arc and 89.8% from the free-throw line.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr. & Toronto Raptors Updates
During his end-of-the-season press conference, VanVleet told reporters that he wouldn’t rush into a decision about his future.
“I know we’re very dramatic around here,” VanVleet said. “It’s a tough way to go out. Not too much rush to jump into a decision about opting out. It will take some time.”
Trent Jr., meanwhile, has been linked to the Magic. The swingman averaged 17.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists this season for the Raptors while shooting 43.3% from the field, 36.9% from beyond the arc and 83.9% from the free-throw line. The 24-year-old made 166 3-pointers.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr. & Toronto Raptors Updates
The Raptors lost to the Chicago Bulls in the 9-10 play-in game at home and missed the playoffs. They fired head coach Nick Nurse and have yet to replace him with anybody.
Want the latest in NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
