The biggest question about Gary Trent Jr. heading to the free agency is whether he would ask for a bigger pay from the Milwaukee Bucks.
Milwaukee Bucks, Doc Rivers, Democrats
Apr 6, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers and guard Gary Trent Jr. (5) talks about a play against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
That’s not what happened. Instead the team got a much more attractive deal to retain their playoff hero.
Shams Charania reported that GTJ will stay with the team after inking a two-year deal worth $7.5 million with a player option in the second year.
The deal brings Trent back to the team where he emerged as a key rotation player, averaging 11.1 points and 41.2% 3-point shooting, and allows him to re-enter the free agency market next summer when many more teams will have cap space. https://t.co/fyQ0qO3neT
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025
Free agent sharpshooter Gary Trent Jr. has agreed to a two-year, $7.5 million deal to return to the Milwaukee Bucks, plus a player option, sources tell ESPN. Bucks made strong efforts to retain Trent and negotiated deal with Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul and agent Lucas Newton. pic.twitter.com/SqIfamxfpW
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Gary Trent Jr., Milwaukee Bucks
Apr 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) reaches for the ball against Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. (5) and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the first quarter during game four of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Trent Jr. was Giannis Antetokounmpo’s most reliable 3-point shooter in the playoffs, scoring 37 points and 33 points in two of those five games. The only problem was that the last one did not lead to a win, and got them eliminated by Indiana Pacers in the first round.
Milwaukee Bucks core retained
The team’s first round exit in 2024-25 season is the third time they did not get past the first round. They seem to be seeing the potential of their old roster as they are not changing it that much.
The only one, so far, who will not be there with them to run it back is Brook Lopez who is now headed to the Los Angeles Clippers.
The team confirmed signing of their mainstays on the same day. First is Kevin Porter Jr. for two years, then Taurean Prince for two years worth around $7 million.
Milwaukee Bucks fans, Bobby Portis
Jan 11, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) poses for a selfie with fans after a victory against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Bobby Portis decided to stay by signing a three-year, $44 million deal yesterday.
Other players they are looking to retain are AJ Green, Ryan Rollins, and Andre Jackson Jr.
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