The Milwaukee Bucks' 2024-25 season was full of some very high highs (In-Season Tournament champs) and low lows (2-8 start to the season). Gary Trent Jr.'s season was very much the same. Yet, it's clear that keeping Trent should be at the top of the front office's to-do list this off-season.
Retaining Gary Trent Jr. should be a priority for the Bucks
The question is, will he re-sign to stay in Milwaukee, or will the Bucks lose him in free agency? The first thing the front office can lead with in their effort to keep Trent is promising him a starting role at the two spot for the entire 2025-26 NBA season. This time, Doc Rivers should emphasize that he won't get demoted two weeks into the season.
The second is more shots. With no Damian Lillard for what looks like most of next season, Trent is primed for a significant uptick in attempts per game. If the playoffs were any preview, that could be as many as three to four more shots each night. Barring any big off-season roster upgrades, he will likely be one of, if not the second option, to Giannis Antetokounmpo on the roster.
Thirdly, those shots are likely going to be wide open. Selling Trent on a game plan to pair his minutes with Giannis would all but assure those shot attempts are going to come off Antetokounmpo's drives and give him significant space. Giannis has helped many shooters have their best offensive seasons in Milwaukee over the years, and Trent would be the latest example of this.
Especially in Game 5, the gravity Giannis takes up on the court was on full display, as was the safety valve role someone like Trent can play as a lethal long-range shooter. That is something that not very many teams can offer: consistent, wide-open attempts off the attention the best paint player in the league can draw.
A lot hinges on Antetokounmpo for Trent and the chance to play with one of the best two to three players in the league.
Assuming Milwaukee can convince Giannis to stick around, you'll always have a chance in any game or any series, because you'll likely have the best player on the floor. Giannis' decision will likely be the tipping point for Trent, who will be highly coveted around the league this offseason. If Giannis chooses to leave, that could mean the Milwaukee Bucks miss out on year two of Trent as well.