This offseason, the Milwaukee Bucks acquired Gary Trent Jr. to bolster their backcourt rotation, and it turns out the franchise may have earnest concerns about the former Toronto Raptors star heading into the 2024-25 NBA season.
The Bucks bolstered their backcourt by signing Trent to a one-year deal, the team announced Saturday. The 25-year-old guard averaged 13.7 points and 1.7 assists in 71 games with the Toronto Raptors last season and was one of the top free agent signings on the market.
The move reunites Trent with his former Portland Trail Blazers teammate Damian Lillard, who recently joined the Bucks. His addition should provide valuable scoring depth to complement Lillard and the Bucks’ existing core, helping to compensate for the departure of Malik Beasley to the Detroit Pistons.
With career averages of 14.3 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game, the former Portland Trail Blazers star has established himself as a reliable scoring threat in the NBA. His ability to play on both ends of the court should make him a valuable asset for the Bucks, who are looking to build on their recent success and compete for a championship in 2024-25.
Milwaukee Bucks biggest concerns about Gary Trent Jr.
While Trent’s addition to the Milwaukee roster is welcome, there are some concerns about the upcoming season. Grant Hughes explained more in an article he wrote for Bleacher Report.
“Milwaukee had similar luck when the market passed on Malik Beasley last year, and Trent will provide similarly incendiary shooting as the likely fifth starter. Trent’s 38.6 percent deep-down rate matches Beasley’s 38.5 percent, and both are high-volume shooters. The real differentiator in the comparison will come in the D, where Beasley, a historically terrible defender, has received a ton of credit for hitting the previously unseen “it doesn’t completely kill your scheme” mark. level of competence last year.
Trent needs to get better and his impact needs to go beyond the stealing and hoarding behaviors he has exhibited throughout his career.
Damian Lillard’s defense is no match for anyone’s fears, and Khris Middleton underwent surgery on both ankles in the offseason, meaning the most dangerous opponents, point guards and wide receivers, will see Trent lined up against him more often.
If the Bucks want to avoid a third straight first-round exit, Trent needs to accept a role as a center,” Hughes wrote.
As it stands, the defender’s profile has leaned more towards the offensive end of the pitch throughout his career. Furthermore, his career -0.7 defensive plus/minus will not help increase the team’s overall effort to stop the opposing team.
This particular trade is the latest in a series of offseason moves for the Bucks, who have been active in the free agent market as they look to surround their star players with the talent they need to make a deep playoff run. Fans in Milwaukee will be eager to see the former Raptors guard bolster the team’s defense and provide a dangerous scoring option for coach Doc Rivers.
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