NBA Free Agency: Raptors SG Gary Trent Jr. 'Top Priority' for Magic?

The Orlando Magic could sign Gary Trent Jr. away from the Toronto Raptors this offseason.

Jeremy Brener | Jun 7, 2023

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Orlando Magic

ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic could use some three-point shooting infused into the roster.

The Magic shot just 34.6 percent from beyond the arc this past season, good enough for 24th in the NBA. Orlando could address the need in free agency, and Toronto Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr. is one of the best distance shooters on the market this summer.

An NBA executive told Heavy.com that Trent Jr. could be on the Magic's radar this summer.

“He’d be a good bet as their top priority in free agency,” an Eastern Conference executive told Heavy. “But that’s if they want to go all in.”

Trent Jr., 24, averaged 17.4 points last season and has shot 38.4 percent from beyond the three-point line throughout his five-year career with the Raptors and Portland Trail Blazers.

Should the Magic sign him, he would likely replace Gary Harris in the starting lineup. Harris is set to make $13 million this upcoming season, but none of that money is guaranteed. However, there is a dilemma when it comes to Harris' contract.

The money on his deal becomes guaranteed on June 29, days before the start of free agency. The Magic would have to cut him before free agency without knowing if the team will sign a replacement. That's why it would be expected for the Magic to keep Harris and guarantee his contract.

However, Harris' expiring deal could be enticing for a team in a trade, either before the season or ahead of the February deadline. As a three-point shooter with experience and an expiring, affordable contract, Harris could be an attractive trade target for contending teams.

Trent Jr. would be an upgrade over Harris, and the move is feasible. Orlando won't have to conquer too many hurdles to get the deal done, so the Magic should look into it if the opportunity presents itself.

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Published Jun 7, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.