NBA Rumors: Gary Trent Jr. and Tim Hardaway Jr. among guards available in trade talks
NBA rumors suggest Gary Trent Jr. and Tim Hardaway Jr. are available in trade talks ahead of the deadline. Both players have garnered interest around the league. The veteran guards are among the best role players in the NBA. Senior insider Marc Stein was the first to report on these rumors.
Trent's stock has grown over the last two years since he got traded to the Toronto Raptors. He has donned a starting role for the team. Since the 2021-22 NBA season, Trent has averaged 18.3 points per game. He has emerged as a reliable perimeter threat on both ends of the court.
Gary Trent Jr. has shot 36.5% from the arc since the start of last season on 7.0 attempts per contest. He has been in the rumor mill since the 2021 offseason, with several contending teams showing interest.
Meanwhile, Tim Hardaway Jr. has found his rhythm over the last few months. He missed nearly half of the 2021-22 NBA season, which saw his efficiency dip. This year, he has averaged 13.9 points per game, shooting 36.4% from 3-point range on 7.9 attempts per contest.
Click here to read Marc Stein's report on these NBA rumors.
NBA Rumors: Looking at potential suitors for Gary Trent Jr. and Tim Hardaway Jr.
Gary Trent Jr. and Tim Hardaway Jr. could be excellent additions to contending rosters. Their scoring and 3-point shooting makes them coveted targets. The LA Lakers are the most prominent team, reportedly interested in Trent.
They are one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the NBA. The Lakers also need perimeter defense and length on the perimeter, both of which Trent offers. The Toronto Raptors could be among the sellers after their underwhelming season so far, and the former Trail Blazers swingman appears to be their most viable trade candidate.
It's Jan. 9 on Eastern/NBA time. The Feb. 9 NBA Trade Deadline is officially one month away.
Couldn't wait for daylight to post my latest intel collection via Monday Musings: marcstein.substack.com/p/nba-trade-de…
Gary Trent Jr. has two years left on his current contract, with a player option for $18.7 million for the 2023-24 NBA season. This year, he is owed $17.5 million. Trent is likely to test free agency after putting up a solid showing this season. His expiring contract makes him a viable candidate for several teams around the NBA.
Meanwhile, Tim Hardaway Jr. wasn't mentioned as a trade candidate before, so there aren't many teams who have shown interest in him. Recent NBA rumors suggest the Cleveland Cavaliers are keeping an eye on the former Knicks guard.
Hardaway's contract could be a stumbling block in any trade coming to fruition. He has two years left on his contract after the end of this season, worth $24 million.