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Portland Trail Blazers: Gary Trent Jr and Zach Collins extension predictions

By Stevie Cozens

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 23: (L-R) Meyers Leonard #11, Zach Collins #33, Seth Curry #31, Jake Layman #10, Gary Trent Jr. #9, and Skal Labissiere #17 of the Portland Trail Blazers react from the bench against the Philadelphia 76ers in the third quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on February 23, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Trail Blazers defeated the 76ers 130-115. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 23: (L-R) Meyers Leonard #11, Zach Collins #33, Seth Curry #31, Jake Layman #10, Gary Trent Jr. #9, and Skal Labissiere #17 of the Portland Trail Blazers react from the bench against the Philadelphia 76ers in the third quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on February 23, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Trail Blazers defeated the 76ers 130-115. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /

Gary Trent Jr. extension

Gary Trent Jr. has a more straight forward path to an extension than Collins, but if he plays anything like he did in the NBA Bubble in 2020, this extension will be a sizeable one. Also, unlike Collins, the market for shooters has been set by some similar players who were given sizeable contracts this summer.

Trent was able to negotiate up to $53 million in an extension this summer, but was quoted saying that he wasn’t worried about an extension at this point. He can hit restricted free agency in a year’s time and get a bigger payday than this if he has a full time three and d role off the bench.

Because of the competition for minutes on the wing, Trent may not play any more than 25 minutes a night, limiting what the Blazers may want to offer him.

But, if he plays excellent defense and knocks down the three at 38 percent plus, then his market is likely to be at $12 million right away.

Luke Kennard got $56 million over four years with incentives to push him up to $64 million. Though Kennard is a slightly more versatile and pure shooter, he has had injury issues and isn’t the defender Trent is. He is a better playmaker than Trent, but he is also 24 already.

I could see Trent getting at least $50 million – but if he ends up with a more sizable role this season due to injury, he could get larger offers from other teams.

The key for Trent getting the $50 million payday and above – is his shooting. He shot 41.8 percent from three in the 2020 season. If he is around 40 or higher this year, and still has that same defensive intensity, he will get at least $13 million per year for a four-year extension.

If his playmaking and finishing at the basket come along too – then maybe this number goes up.

Trent can get himself a significant sum in a year’s time if he breaks out this year.

Prediction – $13 million a year. Blazers to match any offer up to $16 million.

Both Collins and Trent are key parts of this Blazers team moving forward. But for both players, their extension markets are in their hands. It’s all about the 2021 season for both of them.

Next. How the Portland Trail Blazers can acquire superstar James Harden. dark