Insider: New Team Emerges As Contender in Pursuit of Gary Trent Jr.
Gary Trent Jr. is now the most sought-after player left on the free agent market in the NBA, and while there likely isn't a truckload of cash coming his way, he should, from the sounds of it, have his choice of a number of potential landing spots.
It won't be easy for Trent to find everything he wants though — both a good payday and a chance to win. As Insider Shams Charania writes, "As the league’s harsher salary-cap rules with the second apron take an increasing effect, the landscape has left talented players such as Trent on the market because some franchises with salary-cap space are electing to use the room in ways other than free agency."
We ran through a top three list of teams that can actually offer Trent a decent paycheck, as well as some contenders that can't pay him much, but for whom he'd be a great fit and fill a need.
Now we're getting word from Charania that another contender has entered the picture, as the Milwaukee Bucks are in pursuit of Trent as well.
The Bucks lost Malik Beasley in free agency so could use a new shooting guard, but here's the rub: They can only pay him the veteran's minimum, $2.1 million. After earning $18 million last year, Trent has made it clear he's not looking to take that much of a pay cut, and certainly isn't interested in the veteran's minimum.
Trent, 25, averaged 13.7 points on 39.3% from long range this past season with Toronto. The Raptors are said to have never made an offer for Trent to return, given his reported demands from the team of a $25 million annual salary.
Photo: © John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
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