$2.6 Million for a Year! S-Tier Move! Did the Bucks Snag the Best Value in the NBA?

In the first half-month of the NBA free agency, the Milwaukee Bucks made a significant move by signing Gary Trent Jr. to a one-year, $2.6 million veteran minimum contract. This deal reunites Trent with Damian Lillard, with the Bucks reportedly making substantial efforts to recruit him in their pursuit of a championship. As stricter salary cap rules were introduced last season, more players have ended up with minimum contracts. Some players are arguably worth no more than this, but others, like Trent, deserve more based on their abilities but have been constrained by market conditions and regulations.

Gary Trent Jr. was the 37th pick in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft and started his career with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he developed a strong rapport with Lillard. This relationship played a crucial role in his decision to join the Bucks. Trent's first two seasons in the league were unremarkable, but he made a significant leap in his third season, with his average points per game skyrocketing from 8.9 to 15.0. That same year, the Trail Blazers traded him to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Norman Powell.

After joining the Raptors, Trent secured a three-year, $52 million contract, during which he consistently proved to be a reliable scorer:

• In the 2021-2022 season, Trent averaged 18.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, with a three-point shooting percentage of 38.3% and a true shooting percentage of 54.6%.
• In the 2022-2023 season, he averaged 17.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, with a three-point shooting percentage of 36.9% and a true shooting percentage of 56.0%.
• In the 2023-2024 season, Trent averaged 13.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, with a three-point shooting percentage of 39.3% and a true shooting percentage of 54.8%.

At 25 years old, Trent is in his prime. Standing 6'5" with excellent shooting ability, he made 138 of 320 catch-and-shoot three-pointers last season, achieving a 43.1% shooting percentage. He also brings solid defense to the table, capable of guarding both guards and forwards, and has even defended LeBron James in the past. Trent is one of only four players in the last three years to have completed 500 three-pointers and 300 steals, joining the ranks of Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, and Fred VanVleet, whose salaries for next season are $42.3 million, $42.3 million, and $42.85 million, respectively. From this perspective, Trent's value far exceeds his $2.6 million minimum contract.

Despite receiving several offers, including a multi-year deal starting at $5.2 million, Trent chose to join the Bucks. Reports indicate that Trent's father had connections with Bucks coach Doc Rivers, and Rivers even flew to Miami to recruit him personally. Trent's decision to reunite with Lillard and chase a championship with the Bucks could significantly bolster the team's strength. Trent can fill the role left by Malik Beasley, who also signed a minimum contract with the Bucks last season before averaging 11.3 points and hitting 41.3% of his three-pointers. Beasley's performance earned him a $6 million contract with the Detroit Pistons.

Trent's decision is strategic. This year’s free agency market has been tight, and he couldn’t secure a satisfactory contract. He aims to use his time with the Bucks as a springboard to perform well and secure a lucrative deal next year. There have been many success stories of players taking this route, and given Trent’s performance in recent years, he should be able to earn a starting position with the Bucks. The team’s current system is favorable to shooters, and if Trent performs well, both he and the Bucks could have a successful season, positioning him for a substantial contract next year.

The Bucks' savvy moves this summer extend beyond Trent. They also signed Taurean Prince and Delon Wright to minimum contracts. Prince, who played for the Los Angeles Lakers last season, averaged 8.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, with a 39.6% three-point shooting percentage, making him one of the Lakers' most reliable shooters. Wright, who played for the Miami Heat last season, averaged 8.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game during the playoffs, including a standout performance in Game 1 where he scored 17 points with 3 assists and 2 steals.

In addition to these player acquisitions, the Bucks strengthened their coaching staff by bringing in former Lakers coach Darvin Ham. Although Ham’s tenure as a head coach may not have been successful, he is a valuable asset as an assistant coach, having previously won a championship with Mike Budenholzer. His return to the Bucks could potentially set him up to replace Rivers in the future.

Returning to Trent, his acceptance of a minimum contract is surprising but understandable given the current market conditions and salary cap constraints. However, the salary cap is expected to continue rising, and as long as Trent performs well, a substantial contract is likely in his future. The Bucks, with their shrewd off-season moves, are poised to be a team to watch next season. Trent's addition, along with the other strategic signings and coaching changes, positions the Bucks as strong contenders for the championship.