Raptors GM Bobby Webster keeping in touch with Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr. as future remains unclear

Relationships remain unchanged as the Raptors wait for the next big off-season decision to be made that might impact what the team looks like when training camp opens in September.

Gary Trent Jr. has a Tuesday deadline to opt out of the final year of his contract, a move that would make the 24-year-old guard an unrestricted free agent.

Toronto general manager Bobby Webster said Tuesday he’s had his usual interaction with Trent since the season ended and realizes the options that players will create are varied.

“He has a lot of things at his disposal, as do we,” Webster said after a news conference introducing Darko Rajakovic as the team’s new head coach.

“So we’re able to have a lot of those conversations, whether it’s long term, short term.”

The final year of Trent’s contract will net him $18.5 million (U.S.) if he doesn’t opt out of the deal. It’s widely expected that he will become a free agent and seek a more lucrative, longer term deal with the Raptors or any other NBA team. He could play out the season and become a free agent in 2024 but there is inherent risk — injury, a drop in production — that goes with that.

It’s the same situation the Raptors are in with Fred VanVleet, who opted out of the last year of his deal on Monday.

VanVleet’s move came as no surprise to anyone, least of all Webster, who remains in contact with the veteran guard.

“Obviously on good terms with Fred,” Webster said. “Spoke to him (Monday). I think that was just kind of expected.”

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