After a breakout second season in the NBA, Gary Trent Jr. is taking a bet on himself. According to Jason Quick of The Athletic, Trent Jr. plans on playing out the upcoming season and becoming a restricted free agent rather than negotiating a contract extension with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Just 21 years old, he will be an attractive target for teams next offseason. Back in October, Trent Jr. signed with Klutch Sports Group, who will look to maximize his next contract.
Although he had a mediocre rookie season, Trent Jr. emerged as a breakout player in his sophomore campaign, averaging 8.9 points per game on .418 shooting from deep. He only got better in the bubble and 2019-20 playoffs as he was explosive from three and on defense for Portland.
Trent Jr. is eligible for an extension worth up to roughly $54 million over four years. Instead, he will play out the final year of his current contract and hope to get more money as an unrestricted free agent.
