In a notable development during the NBA's free agency period, Gary Trent Jr. has agreed to a one-year contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. The 25-year-old wing is set to reunite with his former Portland Trail Blazers teammate, Damian Lillard, in Milwaukee.
A Fresh Start in Milwaukee
Trent’s journey in the NBA has been marked by notable stints with different teams. He began his professional career with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he spent two and a half seasons. It was in Portland that he first played alongside Lillard, establishing a strong on-court chemistry. Trent later moved to the Toronto Raptors via trade, where he spent another three and a half seasons.
While in Toronto, Trent saw significant development in his game. However, he recently declined a multi-year contract offer from the Raptors, which reportedly would have paid him approximately $15 million annually. Instead, Trent pursued a substantial increase on his $18.6 million salary for the 2023-24 season.
On-Court Performance
Trent’s performance in the last season was noteworthy. He averaged 13.7 points over 28.1 minutes per game, showcasing his skills as a reliable scoring option. His shooting accuracy, particularly from long range, caught the attention of many. Trent converted 43.1% of his pull-up three-point attempts last season, underscoring his proficiency as a perimeter shooter.
Securing Trent marks a strategic move for the Milwaukee Bucks as they aim to maximize their resources. The addition of Trent to the roster is expected to bolster the team's offensive depth, providing reliable scoring and shooting capabilities.
Free Agency Moves
In addition to acquiring Trent, the Bucks have been active in the free agency market with other signings. They have brought in Delon Wright and Taurean Prince on minimum contracts, further strengthening their squad depth. These moves signal the Bucks’ commitment to building a robust roster for the upcoming season.
Elsewhere in the league, Malik Beasley has signed with the Detroit Pistons. Beasley's move adds another layer of intrigue to the ongoing free agency season, as teams continue to reshape their rosters in preparation for the new season.
The signing of Trent represents a significant step forward for the Bucks, as they look to capitalize on their current talent and make a deep playoff run. Providing valuable minutes and scoring off the bench, Trent's presence could be a game-changer for Milwaukee.
"Gary Trent Jr. and the Milwaukee Bucks have agreed to a one-year contract," cited an unnamed agent, adding a factual touch to the burgeoning narrative.
As Trent gears up to join familiar faces in Milwaukee, including Damian Lillard, expectations are high for what this reunion can achieve on the court.