Toronto Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr. Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Player's opt-in signals Raptors are running it back

By Sean Keane | Last updated 6/20/23

The Raptors are getting one of their starters back next year, and he might not be the only one.

Toronto Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr. will opt into his $18.5 million player option for the 2023-24 season, CEO Rich Paul and agent Lucas Newton of Klutch Sports tells @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 20, 2023

Gary Trent Jr. decided against becoming an unrestricted free agent this year, choosing to pick up his player option for 2023-24 instead. Chris Haynes reports that Trent and the Raptors plan to work out a long-term extension.

Trent is one of three key Raptors who were approaching free agency. Fred VanVleet has already declined his player option, while Jakob Poeltl is an unrestricted free agent. But Trent's decision shows that at least one Raptor is on board with the future in Toronto, including new coach Darko Rajakovic.

surprised by the surprise at gary trent jr opting in—stability, new coaching refocused on development, hint of conservative/mildly acrimonious summer trade season coming up + the value of solid role players made evident in playoffs is something he can cash in on next summer
— Katie Heindl (@wtevs) June 20, 2023

Trent's decision helps Toronto get clarity heading into the draft and free agency. Now they only have two of their top six players in flux rather than three. And if Toronto is also interested in a long-term relationship with Trent, he's in line for a substantial raise starting in a year.

After July 1, Gary Trent Jr. could sign an extension with Toronto that start as high as $26 million for 2024-25.
— John Hollinger (@johnhollinger) June 20,

Plus, he's still only 24 years old. And while the Raptors had a disappointing 41-41 season, they went 15-11 after trading for Poeltl. They may decide that with a new coaching staff and some still-young talent in Trent, Poeltl, Anunoby and Scottie Barnes, they're still a playoff team in the East. Maybe VanVleet comes back too!

Or maybe it's as simple as this: Gary Trent Jr. likes Toronto and they like him back. Sometimes that's enough.

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