Former Raptors Guard Gary Trent Jr. Benched By Bucks

Gary Trent Jr. is not having a good start with the Milwaukee Bucks.

The former Toronto Raptors guard was benched in place of sophomore wing Andre Jackson Jr. on Nov. 7.

The Bucks made the decision following a 1-6 start to their season.

Trent Jr. had signed a one-year deal with the Bucks in the offseason for just $2.6 million because the plan was for Trent to be a starter on a championship-caliber team this year to help restore his value heading into  free agency value next summer.

However, Trent Jr. lack of production now sees him in a bench role. Through his first eight games of the season with Milwaukee, Trent Jr. is averaging just 7.3 points on 29.5 percent shooting from the field and 23.1 percent from three.

This is not the first time the 25-year-old had been benched. He was Toronto’s sixth-man to start last year with the Raptors after the franchise signed Dennis Schroder. Trent Jr. handled the decision with class and he has always been the ultimate professional.

However, things have not worked out for Trent Jr. to date. With his production continuing to decline, it hurts his value. Trent Jr. had declined his player option before last season, because he was betting on himself to have a big season and then sign a lucrative multi-year deal either in Toronto or elsewhere. Instead, Trent Jr. did not have the type of season in Toronto he was hoping for and there was virtually no market for him in the summer. With no lucrative options on the table, Trent was forced to sign a veteran minimum deal with the Bucks.

Trent Jr.’s known for getting in slumps and he should be able to turn things around eventually. He’s got a proven track record when it comes to being a high-level three-point shooter, but his lack of offense and shortcomings on defense hurt him. If he’s unable to turn things around, then his contract situation after this season won’t look any better.

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