Gary Trent Jr. Joins Milwaukee Bucks
In a significant move within the NBA's free agency period, Gary Trent Jr., a promising 25-year-old wing, has inked a one-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks.
The addition of Trent reunites him with Damian Lillard, creating a compelling storyline for the upcoming season. The pair previously played together with the Portland Trail Blazers, where Trent began his NBA career. After two and a half seasons in Portland, Trent was traded to the Toronto Raptors, where he spent three and a half seasons developing his game.
The decision to join the Bucks comes on the heels of Trent declining a multi-year offer from the Raptors, which would have paid him approximately $15 million annually. Seeking a raise on his $18.6 million salary for the 2023-24 season, Trent and his agent decided to pivot towards Milwaukee in hopes of maximizing his value.
During the last season, Trent averaged a solid 13.7 points over 28.1 minutes per game, showcasing his scoring ability. Impressively, he made 43.1% of his pull-up three-point attempts, underlining his proficiency from beyond the arc. This shooting prowess is expected to be a valuable asset for the Bucks as they aim to bolster their perimeter offense.
Adding depth to their roster, the Bucks also signed Delon Wright and Taurean Prince on minimum contracts, reinforcing their commitment to building a competitive team. Trent's signing is seen as a strategic move to capitalize on the Bucks' available resources and build a strong supporting cast around their core players.
Meanwhile, Malik Beasley, another prominent figure in the free agency market, signed with the Detroit Pistons, showcasing the dynamic and fast-paced environment of the NBA's offseason moves.
"Gary Trent Jr. and the Milwaukee Bucks have agreed to a one-year contract," an unnamed agent confirmed, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both Trent and the franchise.