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Ranking the 5 best available shooting guards in 2023 NBA free agency

By Holden Walter-Warner

James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers Free Agency (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers Free Agency (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – APRIL 09: Gary Trent Jr. #33 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles up the court against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on April 9, 2023 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – APRIL 09: Gary Trent Jr. #33 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles up the court against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on April 9, 2023 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /

4. Gary Trent Jr., Toronto Raptors

Gary Trent Jr. is a fascinating player to watch in free agency. He’s better than he gets recognized for on a national level and is still young enough to have serious untapped potential.

During his second full season with the Toronto Raptors, Trent continued to play the role of regular starter and occasional bench force. He averaged 17.4 points per game, within a point of the personal mark he set last season.

Still, the season felt like a little bit of a step back for the 24-year old. His counting stats were down across the board, albeit by very little. He also only hit 36.9 percent of his threes, the worst percentage for a full season in his career.

Even with the declines, Trent was still one of the top players in several categories. His 1.6 steals per game ranked seventh in the league, while his 2.4 steal percentage ranked eighth.

And while he’s not an elite passer, coaches feel safe knowing the ball is in Trent’s hands. His 5.1 turnover percentage was tops in the NBA for the second time in three years – he finished third last season.

There are reports that the Raptors expect to lose both Trent and Fred VanVleet in free agency, though it’s never clear who is throwing these smokescreens. Where would Trent go if he leaves?

One rumored destination is Orlando, where the Magic are trying desperately to kick their rebuild into the next phase. They have a young, fun, and fast team and Trent would be a fit, particularly on the defensive end.

Trent does have a player option for next season, which he would need to exercise by June 15. It would pay him $18.56 million next season, but he could likely get a better payday on the open market.

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