Sources: Raptors' Trent picks up $18.5M option

Toronto Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr. has picked up his $18.5 million player option for next season.

Trent, 24, is coming off another strong season after averaging 17.4 points and 1.6 steals per game.

Acquired in a deadline deal with the LA Clippers for Norman Powell in 2021, Trent grew into a more well-rounded scorer in Toronto to complement his elite ability as a shooter. He’s shooting nearly 38% from 3-point range on more than 7 attempts per game in his two full seasons with the Raptors. He has also ranked in the league’s top 10 in steals per game the past two seasons.

Trent signed a three-year, $52 million contract with the Raptors ahead of the 2021-22 season and helped the team remain competitive in what has been a time of transition for the franchise since winning its first championship in 2019.

Trent’s backcourt mate, Fred VanVleet, recently opted out of his deal to become a free agent.