The Toronto Raptors are just outside of the playoff picture to make the play-in game at the moment. Currently, in 12th place and half-game behind the 10th place Washington Wizards, the Raptors are doing everything they can to make the playoffs. Before the trade deadline, the front office made a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers, in which they acquired Gary Trent Jr.
Since joining Toronto, Trent Jr. has been on a tear. In the 13 games he's played, Trent Jr. has averaged 16.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. He's having career high type numbers since becoming a Raptor, which means Toronto made the right decision to pick him up.
Trent Jr. had played for the Trail Blazers for two years and was in the middle of his third season with the organization before being traded away. An interesting fact about his trade is that his father, Gary Trent, was also traded from the Portland Trail Blazers to the Toronto Raptors after his 41st game in his third year as well, via Open Gym Presents.
Trading away Trent Jr. made sense for Portland since they already have two superstar guards on the team. It wouldn't have made sense to pay another large contract to a third guard. As for Toronto, they get a young talented player who is hungry to prove himself to the league. According to Slam Magazine, Trent Jr. has no regrets about leaving Portland for Toronto.
“For the first time in my career in the last three years, you know, I feel like I am wanted in a sense. They want me to be a part of something. They want me to help. So, I can't even put it into words to be honest with you.”
The Raptors may have acquired themselves a future star in the league. With Trent Jr., OG Anunoby, and Pascal Siakam, the Toronto Raptors' future looks rather bright.
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