Raptors Rumors: Gary Trent Jr. May Not Be Offered Contract Over Mid-Level Exception

NBA free agency is underway and Toronto Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr. could sign elsewhere.

As June 30 approached, rumors swirled that Trent Jr. would earn a full mid-level exception from a contending team.

Given Toronto’s rebuild, it doesn’t make sense for him to remain on the team at this point, especially with Immanuel Quickley, Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett handling the majority of the team’s offense.

However, Trent Jr. averaged 13.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.1 steals on 42.6 percent shooting and 39.3 percent from three-point range.

But as the market begins to heat up, that mid-level exception may no longer exist for Trent Jr. According to Sportsnet’s Michael Grange, he believes there is “real doubt” surrounding the 25-year-old’s market:

“There is real doubt that Trent Jr. will even be offered a contract for the mid-level exception – by definition the average salary in the NBA and which starts at $12.5 million for the 2024-25 season.”

That could mean a playoff or contending team could get Trent Jr. at a slightly lower price. It could also open the door to a possible return to Toronto.

After making $18.5 million last season, it appears Trent Jr. could take a slight pay cut and perhaps that will translate into a one- or two-year deal.

These situations are fluid and things could certainly change. At this point, however, it’s more interesting to see where Trent Jr. could land.

If Toronto is willing to keep him, he could become another potential asset at the February trade deadline. Still, the Raptors and Trent Jr. could soon part ways.

Darko Rajakovic praises Gary Trent

Last season saw a lot of player changes due to trades, but Trent Jr. remained.

Even though the victory was not at the forefront, head coach Darko Rajakovic praised his guard for his play despite some unpleasant defeats.