The Bucks pulled off a sneaky NBA heist! Heading into the 2024 off-season, the Wisconsin side had all the doors closed, as they were well above the second tax apron. This, in turn, put a complete deadlock on General Manager Jon Horst. Until the first half of the off-season, the Bucks looked far from stacking their roster. But the tide has certainly changed. Thanks to Gary Trent Jr! This smart steel opened trade doors and strengthened the team’s floor presence. Above all, they could realize their dream of roping in a 32-year-old vet! Let’s dive into the details before you scratch your head in confusion.

First, let’s establish the Milwaukee side’s trouble heading into the off-season. As a team above the second tax apron, they had a complete restriction on mid-level exceptions. And it put them in a spot where they had to find players with exact salary matches for a trade. Most importantly, they cannot combine multiple players for a trade as well. While other franchises were having a blast in the free agency market, the Bucks barely looked like they could make an impact.

Amid this situation, the team roped in 25-year-old Gary Trent Jr. for a minimum veteran deal worth $2.6 million. If not for a steal, this can be called a ‘jackpot’. Apart from Trent, the franchise also traded in Taurean Prince and Delon Wright for one-year deals. So, what are the options this jackpot could offer to the team?

Gary Trent Jr. has the key to unlock the Bucks’ freedom on the court

The 6 ‘5 guard can generate an impact on both ends of the court. The 7-season experienced star has been a consistent double-digit scorer, with his breakout season in 2021-22, averaging 18.3 points. Another impressive aspect of Trent’s offensive business is his accuracy from the arc. He holds a career 3-point accuracy of 38.6% and has also averaged 3 or more long rangers twice in his career.

With an additional threat on the floor, the opponents’ defenders, who are already busy with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton, will open up more space. Above all, he will reunite with Dame Time, with whom he played 3 seasons in Portland.

On the other end of the court, Trent’s 6 ‘9 wingspan will definitely come in handy. Deflecting passes and snatching them isn’t anything new to him, as he has an impressive record, averaging 1.2 career steals. Moreover, he has averaged beyond 1.5 steals twice in his career. Truly a massive cover-up for the Bucks’ sloppy defense at times. Now that we understand the assets that the former Raptor brings to the court, let’s understand the trade possibilities.

Gary Trent Jr. and the Milwaukee Bucks’ free hand in the trade market

Yes, you read that right. While we discussed the Bucks’ cramped space to breathe in the free agency market, Gary Trent Jr. freed up the space. He came in to the side for a meager value of $2.6 million, but, in return, he has a lot to offer on the court. Trent’s presence will give the Bucks the freedom to clean up stagnant players and free up the cap space.

Here is the list of players that the Bucks could consider moving out at the expense of Gary Trent Jr.

1. Bobby Portis Jr.

The 29-year-old player has two more seasons in his contract with an average salary of $12.1 million. Over the last few seasons, Portis has been on and off the trade talks, but the Bucks have continued to keep him on the roster. While Portis has managed to keep him in the 6th Man of the Year conversations, averaging 13.5 points alongside 8.3 rebounds and just above 1 assist, he has limitations on the defensive corridor. Trading him out will not only allow the Bucks to find a perfect replacement but reduce the average age of the team.

2. MarJon Beauchamp

The 23-year-old star, who completed his sophomore year with the Bucks, has been actively part of the rotation. Even though he has produced a 40% 3-point accuracy last season with an average presence of 13-odd minutes on the court, he hasn’t lived up to expectations. Moreover, any team can easily acquire him, as his upcoming salary for the 2024-25 season is $2.7 million.

3. Pat Connaughton

If not for the other two players, Pat Connaughton needs to be considered before heading into the next season. In the last 3 seasons, the 31-year-old’s numbers have taken a hit. While he shot around 40% from the arc 3 years ago, last season he recorded only 34.5%. Moreover, Pat’s offensive contribution has also taken a dip. He has two more seasons left in his contract with an average salary of $9 million.

If the team waives off all these three players, then they can free up close to $24 million in the cap space, easing up their tax apron as well. They can hire a perfect replacement in return. Reportedly, the Bucks have shown interest in Utah Jazz‘s Jordan Clarkson. The 32-year-old with an average salary of $14.1 million has two more seasons in his contract. If the Bucks could crack the deal before the start of the season, or maybe before the trade deadline, they could make a serious case for the title.

What do you make of the Bucks’ road ahead of the 2024-25 season opener? Let us know in the comments below.

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.