For years, the Milwaukee Bucks have always had a clear-cut second option, with Khris Middleton and Damian Lillard holding the mantle in recent memory. Heading into the 2025-26 NBA season, that isn't the case; the title is up for grabs. Several Bucks will aim to finish second to Giannis Antetokounmpo in the scoring department, and one overlooked candidate is Gary Trent Jr.
Gary Trent Jr. has everything to gain with Bucks
There are plenty of players who will have a case for the role. Myles Turner will get more touches than he did with Indiana. If Doc Rivers fully buys in and starts the guard, Kevin Porter Jr. could potentially return to his Houston days, when he was a near 20-point per game scorer. Kyle Kuzma, anyone? While all of them have a case, Trent specifically cannot be ignored.
It was just five games, but Trent actually was Milwaukee's second leading scorer in the NBA Playoffs this past season, averaging 18.8 points per game. He was nothing short of electric, showing that he's more than capable of taking on a larger role than he was afforded in the regular season. That could be the most obvious sign to fully lean into him next year.
The Milwaukee Bucks embracing Giannis Antetokounmpo as their primary initiator next season could take Trent's game to new heights. Last season, the wing shot 43-of-89 (48.3 percent) on 3-pointers off passes from Giannis. He did so in an ever-changing role. If he's a starter from the jump and stays there next year, Rivers could look to forge a lethal one-two punch.
While he will thrive off Giannis' gravity, Trent isn't just a spot-up outside shooter. He can also create offense for himself, which he showed in Toronto. During the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, Trent averaged 17.9 points per game. That was largely due to him averaging 14.7 shots per game in those two years compared to 8.9 in Milwaukee, taking on a much larger role offensively with his creation.
Just like he was this past season, Gary Trent Jr. will be motivated to prove himself next season after inking a team-friendly deal this summer. If he wants to earn a blank check next offseason, the best avenue could involve a scoring explosion, serving as Milwaukee's reliable second fiddle.
The Milwaukee Bucks need a big year from Trent. While Turner could be the second option, he will be playing such a prominent role defensively that he could get burnt out. Kuzma has the potential, but he is better as a complementary piece rather than a go-to scorer. Porter could do it, but there's no guarantee that he's even going to start.
Milwaukee's offense will take a by-committee approach, with everyone sharing the ball and workload, but someone has to finish second. Keep an eye on Trent to do just that.
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