NBA Trade Rumors: Toronto Raptors likely to trade Fred VanVleet or Gary Trent Jr

Trade rumors for the Toronto Raptors have emerged, and it's looking like their perimeter players are being targeted. Reportedly, a player between Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr. could be traded by Toronto, according to sources.

Raptors insider Eric Koreen reported that one of the two starting guards could be dealt at the upcoming trade deadline:

"One of these two is probably moving. … After a few years of developmental struggles, the Raptors need more contributors on lighter contracts. Trading Trent Jr. or VanVleet is the easiest way to acquire those pieces.

"I’ve already written about how complex the VanVleet situation is; for that reason, I have Trent as the more likely player to move, although it could be closer than some might think."

The Raptors (20-26) are 11th in the Eastern Conference, which is far from what they thought their record would be. Both guards have been disappointing, and the team's production has been affected accordingly.

Trent is averaging 18.5 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists. Those aren't huge improvements from last season, when the 24-year-old averaged 18.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg and 2.0 apg in 70 games. His production isn't the biggest problem, but it's one the team has to address.

VanVleet, on the other hand, has dropped in his production. Last year, he was averaging 20.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg and 6.7 apg and was named an All-Star. This season, the 2019 champion is averaging 18.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 6.4 apg. His underwhelming production could push the organization to trade him, unless something changes.

---

Bobby Marks believes that the Toronto Raptors could be the most active team in the trade deadline

Toronto Raptors vs. New York Knicks

Eric Koreen of The Athletic isn't the only insider who believes that the Raptors could send VanVleet or Trent to a different team. ESPN's Bobby Marks also believes that Toronto could actively explore trade options for the two guards by the Feb. 9 trade deadline.

Marks thinks a a two-player package with VanVleet and Juancho Hernangomez could make the LA Clippers consider a trade. In return, the Raptors could receive Terrence Mann, Robert Covington, Amir Coffey and a 2028 pick. It's fitting that this could happen as it has been recently reported that the Clippers are open to trading John Wall.

Trent, on the other hand, could be sent to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Devonte Graham, Jaxson Hayes and a 2027 future first-round pick. The Raptors still have a few options, but these could be their best ones.