Fresh off his controversial $64 million contract extension, Gary Trent Jr. has logged just a tick under seven total minutes through the Milwaukee Bucks' first five games. That certainly doesn't bode well for them as they remain under investigation for cap circumvention. Yet, from a basketball perspective, it makes sense, as Milwaukee is prioritizing players who better fit their vision.
Other guards taking Trent's time
It was obvious that Tyler Herro and Ryan Rollins would be above Trent in the pecking order, but it was uncertain beyond that. Many wondered if Taylor Jenkins would prioritize helping Trent bounce back, especially once the NBA began looking into the contract. However, he's taken the complete opposite approach, leaning into other pieces while keeping Trent on the sidelines.
That includes dishing out significant minutes for Kasparas Jakucionis and Brayden Burries. When the Milwaukee Bucks re-signed Trent, the biggest worry was that he'd take minutes from those two, which would delay their development. Jenkins has shut down that notion immediately, making sure two of his promising young guards are firmly in the rotation.
Let's not forget about AJ Green, either. He has also lost some minutes to the young guards, as he is averaging nearly 10 minutes fewer than he did last season, but he's still playing. After setting a new franchise record for 3-pointers made in a season, it would have been wild to see him get benched for a player who struggled to throw a rock in the ocean for most of last year.
Jenkins is simply prioritizing more productive/potential-filled players. Unless something changes, Trent's role will likely revolve around serving as depth.
Green trade would make things interesting
The most logical path for Trent's return to the rotation involves moving Green, which would free up 19 minutes per game in the guard rotation. As the season goes on, it won't be shocking if Green pops up in rumors. He's one of the cleanest trade candidates on the entire roster in terms of having a decent contract while also being an attractive piece for teams.
If the Bucks move him for assets, the door suddenly opens for a fellow sharpshooting guard who can space the floor.
Until then, Trent likely won't see the floor until mop-up duty, as he did against the Houston Rockets in the team's latest loss. It's tough to see a player who just signed a $64 million extension after one of his least-productive years ever sit on the bench, but there just isn't any reason for him to play over one of the team's other pieces who are playing quality basketball.
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