Insider Links Toronto Raptors To Charlotte Hornets' Forward

With Gary Trent Jr. firmly ensconced as 'Most Likely To Be Traded' on the Toronto Raptors, rumors are circulating as to what they could get in return. According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Dinos have their eyes on Charlotte Hornets forward Jalen McDaniels. 

The Toronto Raptors have “shown interest” in Hornets forward Jalen McDaniels.

They could look to move Gary Trent Jr for a trade with Jalen McDaniels

(per @JakeLFischer) pic.twitter.com/fypddWpOch

— Hornets Coverage (@hornetscoverage) January 17, 2023

McDaniels is a 6'9" forward with a 7-foot wingspan (that certainly fits the Raptors' mold), currently averaging 11.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. He's shooting 35.8 percent from three-point range. And on defense, he can pretty much switch one through five and cut off angles and fill gaps. Sounds like a Nick Nurse kind of guy.

Like Trent, he'll be an unrestricted free agent this summer, but, as Fischer points out, he's only expected to earn a contract in the range of about $10M AAV, which is about half of what Trent will command. 

Trent is currently averaging 18.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.7 steals. He's shooting it from downtown at a 36 percent clip after a slow start to the season. This should be an interesting potential trade fit to watch. 

Photo: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports