The Milwaukee Bucks can consider themselves lucky to have won the free agent sweepstakes for Gary Trent Jr. It’s not like the 6-foot-5 shooting guard was one of the most coveted names on the market, but there’s no denying the Bucks weren’t the only team that wanted him.
This accomplishment is even more incredible because the Bucks somehow convinced Trent to sign a minimum contract despite significant interest from opposing teams.
Milwaukee Bucks News: Jon Horst Talks Signing Gary Trent Jr.
The architect of the move was Bucks general manager Jon Horst. During a recent conversation with The Athletic’s Erik Nehm, the high-ranking Bucks executive expressed confidence in the team’s newest recruit and explained why he felt the signing of Trent was a huge win for Milwaukee.
“Gary is a legitimate option for the two-back position, we are very lucky to be able to join our group when needed,” Horst said. “He’s a two-guard point guard. He’s got the size of a two-guard point guard. He’s shot almost 40 percent from 3-point range in his career.
“… He’s got a defensive component to his game that I think we can help develop and grow in our system. We’ve been able to do that with the guys, not only develop them offensively, but also defensively. And I just think he fits in really well, not just next to Dame, but next to Khris, Giannis, Brook, Bobby, that whole group.”
Horst also confirmed reports that Trent turned down bigger paydays from other teams in favor of a short-term deal with the Bucks. The team’s GM praised Trent’s “willingness to bet on himself.”
“He didn’t have the market he probably wanted, but he wasn’t a minimum player either,” Horst continued. “Gary could have signed for more money somewhere else. He chose us because of the opportunity he thinks we can give him, but he also wants to win. So it says a lot about him that we were able to secure him here as a free agent.”
At this point, it’s clear that Trent will be extremely motivated this season as he looks to enhance his stock going forward. At the end of the day, that will likely benefit the Bucks in a large way.
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