NBA Rumors: Bucks, Gary Trent Jr, Knicks, Jordan Clarkson, Sixers

Guard Gary Trent Jr. is returning to Milwaukee, agreeing to a two-year, $7.5 million deal with a player option for 2026, according to NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN.

While the deal is just above the veteran minimum, the Bucks were able to use Trent’s Non-Bird rights to exceed that threshold slightly. It’s a team-friendly move that also gives Trent some control over his future, with an eye on next summer’s more flexible cap landscape.

Trent, 26, made 74 appearances in 2024–25 and averaged 11.1 points per game while shooting 41.6% from three — the second-best mark of his career. He played a particularly vital role in the playoffs, pouring in 37 points in Game 3 and 33 in Game 5 of Milwaukee’s first-round series against Indiana after Damian Lillard went down with an Achilles injury.

The Bucks have already re-signed Kevin Porter Jr. and Bobby Portis this offseason, but retaining Trent gives the team a dependable scorer and floor spacer in a crowded Eastern Conference race.

Clarkson to Join Knicks After Clearing Waivers

Jordan Clarkson is expected to sign with the Knicks once he clears waivers on Wednesday, per NBA insider Chris Haynes. The former Sixth Man of the Year reached a buyout with the Jazz and was officially waived earlier Monday.

Clarkson averaged 16.2 points and 3.7 assists in just 37 games for Utah last season. Though injuries limited him, his production remained solid, and his recent seasons have shown more playmaking growth, averaging 4.5 assists over the last three years.

The deal with New York is expected to be for the veteran minimum (approximately $3.6 million), according to multiple reports, including Stefan Bondy of the New York Post. Clarkson has long been on the Knicks’ radar, and Ian Begley of SNY reports he was a priority signing once available.

He’ll slot into a backcourt that already features Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, giving New York additional scoring punch off the bench.

Sixers Land Watford on Two-Year Minimum Deal

Forward Trendon Watford is heading to Philadelphia on a two-year, $5.3 million deal, according to ESPN. The Sixers used the minimum exception to sign the 23-year-old, who played the last two NBA seasons with the Nets.

Watford posted career highs in points (10.2), assists (2.6), and minutes (20.8) in 2024–25, bouncing back after being waived by Portland ahead of the previous season. Despite missing six weeks due to a hamstring issue, he carved out a steady role in Brooklyn’s rotation.

Watford could see rotation minutes at power forward and provides a versatile skill set, with playmaking chops and improved rebounding.

If he continues to develop, his new contract could prove to be a value move for a Philadelphia team hoping to maximize its spending flexibility around Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.