Despite playing a role last season that was anything but consistent, Gary Trent Jr. put together a nice year and came back for seconds by re-signing with the Milwaukee Bucks. This year, Trent's role will be far clearer, and his current contract should give him added motivation to put together what could be a career-best year in the NBA.
Gary Trent Jr. has what it takes to have a career year with Bucks
Trent should be penciled in as Milwaukee's starting two guard to start next season, just like he was last year. However, this time around, Doc Rivers must stick with him. The guard, who started in three playoff games after only doing so in nine regular season games, lit it up and showcased why he's the perfect-fitting wing with his shooting and pesky defense.
In a bigger role, Trent would get more touches. As he showed in the playoffs, averaging 18.8 points in five games, he can make the most of that. With the Bucks currently missing a clear second option on offense, Trent has a chance to claim it for himself. If he can keep the ball rolling from the NBA Playoffs and create more while also still thriving off-ball, he could very well be that particular player.
The wing was largely a catch-and-shoot threat last season, averaging 11.1 points, but he's more than that, as he showed with the Toronto Raptors. During his four seasons there, he averaged 16.4 points, taking on a much more prominent role offensively. Rather than simply spotting up, Trent should have the ball in his hands much more next season, which could lead to many more buckets.
Further fueling Gary Trent Jr. will be his contract situation. The wing took another big discount after re-signing on a two-year deal worth $7.6 million, but the kicker is that there is a player option on the second year. If Trent has a big 2025-26, he can opt out and secure a much larger payday next year. Obviously, after two years of taking less than what he's worth, the young wing will look to do that.
Between what will likely be a starting role, a larger opportunity offensively, and his looming contract situation, Gary Trent Jr. has plenty of reasons to perform next season. Plenty of teams around the NBA would love to be in the position to have such a player on their roster, and the Milwaukee Bucks certainly are well aware of what they have.
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