Reports say that Gary Trent Jr. could be moving, and the Raptors don’t have a crazy price for him.
The Hawks and the Raptors need to discuss a possible trade involving Gary Trent Jr.
Report: Gary Trent Jr.’s trade value considered to be ‘protected 1st-round or 2 good 2nd-round picks’ https://t.co/W0VuXev7J0
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) February 1, 2023
If this report is true, the Hawks should make a move right away.
“Meanwhile, league sources peg Trent Jr.’s likely trade value at a protected first-round or two good second-round picks, along with a matching salary,” wrote Michael Grange of Sportsnet.
“From the Raptors’ point of view, the likelihood of improving your team by moving on from a 24-year-old who has proven himself as a quality perimeter shooter is relatively low. If Trent Jr. was determined to leave, or the Raptors didn’t believe they could re-sign him in free agency, the story might be different.” He added.
RELATED: Lakers Rumors: Gary Trent Jr. deal must go through at the price rumored to be asked
Trent’s scoring ability would be useful for a number of playoff teams. This season, the 24-year-old is averaging 18.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game on 44.4% shooting from the field and 36.7% from beyond the arc.
Trent is not exactly the most dependable defender, and there’s a further qualification. He has a player option for the following year, but he is not likely to exercise it.
The Hawks would have to work out an extension for him or use him as a rental player, both of which are questionable moves. Regardless, he would give the Hawks much-needed depth and shooting, especially considering how badly they’ve been hit by the injury bug.
Two second-round selections would be fine with me, but a first-rounder is probably asking too much. It’s worth taking a chance if the former is still an option.
