Gary Trent Jr. Finished in Toronto; Marquee Team Interested

While Gary Trent Jr. was hoping for a contract in the $25 million AAV range, the Toronto Raptors weren't interested in giving their free agent anything more than $15 million. Reports have indicated that Trent would be "lucky" to get the midlevel exception out on the free market right now (about $12.5 million).

The Raptors have moved on, and Trent is free to find a new taker. 

Gary Trent Jr. is expected to part ways with the Raptors, per multiple reports

Which team should sign him? 👀 pic.twitter.com/ItyUYycrRW

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 10, 2024

And one team that seems to be very interested is the Los Angeles Lakers. They are definitely looking to improve their outside shooting, and Trent shot 43.1% on catch-and-shoot threes this past season. Overall, Trent averaged 13.7 points while shooting 39.3% from long range.

The Lakers are showing interest in signing Gary Trent Jr., per @jovanbuha (https://t.co/IoAt6UU1FQ).

Trent averaged 13.7 points while shooting 39.3% on threes for the Raptors.

Los Angeles still needs to clear cap space in order to utilize their taxpayer mid-level exception. pic.twitter.com/pHeZ5QHk6P

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 7, 2024

Los Angeles still needs to clear cap space in order to utilize their taxpayer mid-level exception.

According to Evan Sidery, Trent is now looking at potentially taking a one-year deal in order to rebuild his market value for 2025.

As for an offer from the Lakers, Trent could possibly "only earn half of" the midlevel in LA, according to Raptors beat writer Josh Lewenberg. 

We'll see just how ready to 'bet on himself' Trent Jr. really is. 

Photo: © Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports