Grading Gary Trent Jr.'s sensational deal with the Milwaukee Bucks

Gary Trent Jr.'s long-term outlook with the Bucks

With Trent just having signed, few people are thinking about his future beyond this season; many are still in shock that he's in Milwaukee in the first place. However, looking ahead, it's a tricky situation to maneuver for the Milwaukee Bucks, given their financial limitations moving forward and the brutal second-apron reality they find themselves in.

This is the definition of a prove-it deal. Trent clearly couldn't find the big payday he was searching for this off-season, so he decided to ink a short-term, team-friendly deal on a contender to boost up his value ahead of free agency next year. If he capitalizes on the opportunity, he could have an array of suitors looking to hand him that big payday he so desires.

If Trent dazzles in Milwaukee, the Bucks should absolutely aim to keep him. At 25, he's still young and hasn't even entered his prime yet. If they find a way to free up the financial resources, Trent could be the shooting guard of the future for this franchise. Keeping him long-term would help extend the title window by giving the Milwaukee Bucks a young, impact player who still has plenty of good years left.

The conversation truly cannot begin until everyone sees how Trent performs on the basketball court, so he'll have plenty of eyes locked on him throughout the upcoming campaign.