Despite what outsiders might think, the Milwaukee Bucks are set up nicely to find their footing in the Giannis Antetokounmpo-less era, given their assortment of young talent and picks. However, if they are found of wrongdoing amid the Gary Trent Jr. investigation, all of that could go out the window, as a new report indicates they could face devastating consequences that would set them back.
Trent investigation outcome grows more worrisome
In a new article detailing the latest details regarding the investigation surrounding cap circumvention, where the Bucks are accused of prematurely promising Trent a lofty new deal after several pay cuts, The Athletic's Joe Vardon (subscription required) reports that Milwaukee's punishment could be equal to or worse than what the LA Clippers got from their own cap circumvention case.
The Clippers' case is different than Milwaukee's, as they funneled extra money to Leonard through external avenues, while the Bucks potentially did it legally through money they were legally allowed to spend in free agency. For their wrongdoing, LA was docked five first-round picks, fined $30 million, and lost several high-ranking personnel, including owner Steve Ballmer, to suspensions.
If the Milwaukee Bucks were to face similar consequences, it could be a deathblow to any optimism surrounding the team's ability to dig themselves out of their Giannis-sized hole.
Bucks do not want to be stuck in NBA purgatory
The Clippers appear stuck in the mud, and they won't get out anytime soon after the NBA dropped the hammer on them. Though they have nice pieces, such as Darius Garland, Brandon Ingram, and Keaton Wagler, upgrading the roster to compete in the increasingly competitive West just got much harder without draft picks at their disposal, especially after trading a superstar in Kawhi Leonard.
Milwaukee would be in the same boat after trading Giannis. To get back to even sniffing the playoffs in the East, they would need all of their in-house players to take significant leaps yearly. It's possible, but without picks that could be used in trades or to bring in more talent, this rebuilding phase could stretch out long beyond what they would like. That's why they'd better hope nothing comes of this.
For what it's worth, Vardon notes that the Milwaukee Bucks are complying and that they maintain they gave Trent what they felt was his market value despite his down year. Time will tell if the NBA finds anything to the contrary in its ongoing investigation.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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