5 Milwaukee Bucks who could earn a raise in 2025 NBA Free Agency

Gary Trent Jr.

It's still shocking that Gary Trent Jr. signed the deal that he did with the Bucks. With his market falling short of what he likely expected, the guard inked a one-year, $2.6 million deal with Milwaukee, thanks to some recruiting efforts from Doc Rivers and, more than likely, Damian Lillard, his former teammate with the Portland Trail Blazers. The Bucks are thrilled to have him on such a team-friendly deal.

Trent can almost already be penciled in as Milwaukee's starting shooting guard, so among all of the players on "prove it" deals, he will have the biggest role. Playing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard and the other key Bucks should only elevate Trent's play, particularly as a shooter, which has always been his bread and butter.

Trent's 3-point shooting will be his greatest strength, but to really earn that lucrative raise, he must show growth on the defensive end. If he can bring solid defense, something he has shown glimpses of throughout his career but not consistently, to the backcourt alongside Lillard while also lighting it up from downtown, opposing teams, especially those with spending money next year, will notice.

Even before the season begins, it feels like Trent is destined to earn a raise next off-season. However, he can guarantee it if he performs well with the Milwaukee Bucks. The 25-year-old will be motivated to earn that raise while also playing a pivotal role for the Bucks. There's a good chance he will end up being one of the most highly-coveted free agents on the market next offseason.