Report: Magic Expected to Target Raptors' Gary Trent Jr. in Free Agency

The Orlando Magic will reportedly be targeting Toronto Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr. when free agency opens up this summer

All Raptors Staff | Jun 6, 2023

Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

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The Orlando Magic appear to be zeroing in on Gary Trent Jr. as free agency draws near this summer.

The Toronto Raptors shooting guard is expected to draw interest from the Magic this summer, per Heavy’s Sean Deveney. Orlando is said to “have their eyes firmly on” Trent, sources told Heavy.

The Magic shouldn’t have too much of a problem creating enough cap space to pursue Trent this summer. They can renounce the rights to their free agents, decline the option on Michael Carter-Williams and Admiral Schofield, and create $20 million without an issue. Orlando could also waive Gary Harris and free up another $13 million in space should the Magic need more room.

Trent is one of three key players the Raptors have heading into free agency this summer alongside Fred VanVleet and Jakob Poeltl. It will be difficult for Toronto to bring back all three free agents while remaining under the luxury tax threshold for next summer.

Losing Trent to Orlando would, however, create problems for the Raptors who have no means to replace the 24-year-old guard. Toronto is expected to be over the salary cap this summer even if Trent leaves in free agency. The fact that Orlando doesn’t need the Raptors' help to orchestrate a sign-and-trade means Toronto has very little leverage in negotiations with Trent or the Magic this summer.

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