By investigating his new contract, the NBA is essentially telling Gary Trent Jr. that they don't think he's good enough for his new four-year, $64 million raise. If that doesn't motivate Trent to put together one of his best seasons, nothing will. As he braces for his third season in Milwaukee, Trent should be on a warpath to prove that he's still got plenty of fuel left in the tank.
Trent's new Bucks deal has caused a stir
For context, after one of his least-productive seasons yet, the Bucks re-signed Trent to a fresh four-year deal at the previously mentioned figure. Given that he played the last two seasons on incredibly team-friendly deals, it was a shocker. Many immediately wondered if there was cap circumvention in the form of a handshake deal last summer that would have paid him now if he re-signed last year.
The NBA is currently investigating the matter, though there is no timetable for a ruling. Whether they prove the Bucks did anything wrong or not, Trent should be fired up. An investigation opening due to you getting a raise can't feel great. Now, the guard must put last season behind him and silence all of the doubters currently writing him off.
Trent has the tools to be a useful piece
Had Trent gotten this deal last summer, no one would have cared. Despite a few missteps at the end, he was coming off an excellent postseason showing, having averaged 18.8 points and 2.6 steals over five games. One bad year in a dysfunctional environment made everyone think that Trent is no longer a good player. He now has a great opportunity to quiet them.
There is no telling what role Trent will play in Milwaukee's crowded guard room, but he's going to have one. Teams don't pay players this much money to have them serve as depth. If the Bucks trade away sharpshooter AJ Green, a lingering possibility amid the roster crunch, Trent would suddenly have an opportunity to take his spot as a reliable marksman.
If Trent can return to the level of play he displayed with the Toronto Raptors—heck, even the level he displayed during his first year with the Bucks—this contract will look a lot better. This is a player who has averaged 13 points while shooting 38.7 percent on 6.1 3-point attempts per game in his career. Production like that doesn't grow on trees.
It will be up to Trent to prove that he's deserving of this deal. Hopefully this chatter has motivated him.
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