The Milwaukee Bucks approached the offseason with a clear goal: to enhance their roster despite having no salary cap space. Operating under the constraints of the NBA’s luxury tax, they could only sign players willing to accept veteran minimum contracts.
This presented a significant challenge for general manager Jon Horst, who had to persuade quality players to join the team for less money, all in the pursuit of an NBA Championship.
Horst rose to the occasion by signing three high-caliber free agents: point guard Delon Wright, forward Taurean Prince, and shooting guard Gary Trent Jr. All three are proficient three-point shooters, expected to integrate seamlessly with Bucks stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
Among these signings, Gary Trent Jr. has been singled out as the Bucks’ most crucial X-factor for the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season. Starting as the team’s shooting guard, Trent has the potential to significantly elevate his market value for next year’s free agency by performing well in this role.
His ability to complement the rest of Milwaukee’s starting lineup will be a key determinant of the team’s success. Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report emphasized Trent’s importance, calling him an “absolute heist” in free agency, noting that while his financial value is impressive, his on-court performance will be what truly matters.
Hughes highlighted that Trent’s defense will be crucial. Known for his ability to make steals—averaging at least 1.0 per game over the past four seasons, peaking at 1.7 in 2021-22 with the Toronto Raptors—Trent will need to demonstrate that he is more than just a player who excels in passing lanes. He is expected to take on the responsibility of guarding the opposing team’s top-scoring wings or guards, a role that Malik Beasley struggled with last season.
Beasley, who joined the Bucks last offseason under similar circumstances as Trent, delivered strong offensive numbers, including 224 made three-pointers—the second-most in franchise history. However, his defensive shortcomings led to his being benched in crucial moments, and ultimately, he signed with the Detroit Pistons for $6 million on a one-year deal, which was less than he had hoped for.
Trent’s success with the Bucks will largely depend on his ability to provide better defense than Beasley, which will be vital for both his and the team’s prospects in the 2024-25 season.
