The Milwaukee Bucks feel like the forgotten team in the Eastern Conference. One year ago, they traded for Damian Lillard and had massive hype. A second straight first-round playoff exit and another Giannis playoff injury have dampened the excitement.
The East improved this offseason. The 76ers signed Paul George in free agency, and the Knicks traded for Mikal Bridges. Those teams are now garnering the attention. New York has a deep roster with several top-end talents. Daryl Morey rounded things out well behind his new Big 3. That makes no mention of the defending champion Celtics, who kept the band together.
It did not garner massive headlines, but Milwaukee significantly improved their roster and made the best signing of the offseason. Getting Gary Trent Jr. to accept a minimum contract was a home run that few saw coming and should have the Bucks back in the title picture if their stars remain healthy.
Gary Trent Jr. signing with the Bucks was the best deal of the offseason
Every contender is searching for help on the wing. Versatile scorers and defenders are crucial to any title challenger. Finding one capable of playing postseason minutes on a minimum contract is improbable. The feat helped the Mavericks reach the NBA Finals in 2024 with Derrick Jones Jr. starting. Milwaukee may have found their version in Trent Jr.
The 25-year-old has averaged 16.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.4 steals in 31.6 minutes per game over the last four seasons combined. He has connected on 38.3 percent from 3-point range and can make an impact on both ends of the floor.
Trent Jr. will be replacing Malik Beasley in Milwaukee. Beasley was a needed floor spacer, but his subpar defense was a massive hole for the Bucks, especially playing next to Damian Lillard. Trent Jr. can hit the open shots and offer significantly more on the other end. His defense may improve by carrying a smaller offensive burden in the Cream City. Trent is not a lockdown option, but has been average to slightly above.
The Bucks entered the offseason with a seemingly impossible task. They had to find depth with just minimum contracts to offer. Signing Trent Jr. was massive, but Taurean Prince and Delon Wright offer even more options for Doc Rivers as he tries to lead the franchise deep into the playoffs. Credit goes to Jon Horst and the front office for making significant upgrades, despite their restrictions.
Gary Trent Jr. has just 11 games of playoff experience, but the 25-year-old is still improving. Expect him to make a massive impact in Milwaukee this season as he tries to land a gigantic payday elsewhere next summer. Proving he can operate as a 3-and-D wing would do the trick, and the Bucks will certainly give him every opportunity to fill that hole.
The Milwaukee Bucks are facing a championship-or-bust season. Changes will be made if the franchise falters again, which likely means top-end talent departing. The Bucks have the pieces but must put it all together. Stay tuned to see how it all shakes out.