The Milwaukee Bucks aim to return to the elite defense that secured their first NBA title in 50 years. To achieve this, Gary Trent Jr. may play a crucial role.
This offseason, the Bucks signed Trent at a bargain price due to a combination of factors. The former second-round pick averaged 13.7 points and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 39.3 percent from three-point range. While these statistics are solid, they fall short of his previous two seasons, during which he averaged 17.9 points and 1.7 steals per game. His recent performance, especially on defense, was not as sharp as expected. Known as one of the league’s better defenders, he struggled with perimeter defense, allowing too many opposing players to penetrate.
Trent’s decline came while playing for a struggling team. Despite his performance, the Toronto Raptors showed interest in re-signing him for around $15 million per year, according to TSN reporter Josh Lewenberg. However, Trent’s request for approximately $25 million annually led him to enter free agency after a disappointing season. As a result, he only received offers ranging from the minimum salary to mid-level contracts, according to SportsNet’s Blake Murphy.
Dame & Doc
One of the teams interested in Trent was the Bucks, who have Damian Lillard on their roster. Trent played alongside Lillard during the early years of his career with the Portland Trail Blazers. In an interview with Sportskeeda’s Grant Afseth, Trent described joining a team with Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo as “second to none.”
The 25-year-old also shares a long-standing relationship with Bucks head coach Doc Rivers. “I’ve known Doc since I was about eight years old,” Trent shared. “I was in his championship locker rooms back in 2008 with the Celtics as a kid. Seeing him now, it’s a full-circle moment. It’s been a blessing to play for him.”
However, Trent’s familiarity with Lillard and Rivers might not guarantee his future in Milwaukee after his contract ends. Both Lillard and Rivers have only been with the team for about a year. Ultimately, Trent’s performance will be the key factor in whether he is re-signed. Still, Trent envisions a long-term future with the Bucks. “It’s a great opportunity,” he stated. “I’m 25, and I still have years left to grow. This is a great place to find a home base and be part of something long-term. It’s an excellent organization with great players, a solid front office, and good energy.”
A Quiet Competition
If Trent performs well, he may find himself priced out of Milwaukee. Next summer, the Bucks are projected to be $21.9 million over the salary cap. Without a trade for Khris Middleton, who is set to earn $34 million in 2025-26 unless he declines his player option, signing Trent to an eight-figure contract would be nearly impossible. The Bucks do not hold his Bird Rights, complicating the situation further. Therefore, the 2024-25 season may serve as a competition between Trent and Middleton.
Middleton is an all-around player who has reached All-Star level when healthy. However, he has faced injury issues, playing just 88 games over the past two regular seasons. His defense is also declining due to age and injuries.
Furthermore, the recent trade that brought Lillard to the Bucks has made it more challenging for the team to defend against opposing players effectively. If Trent can secure the perimeter and consistently slow down opposing ball-handlers, the impact could be significant. On a team with Lillard, Antetokounmpo, and Middleton, Trent’s defensive contributions may hold greater value than his scoring.
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