The Milwaukee Bucks have been quiet throughout the opening weeks of free agency. Despite a first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Indiana Pacers, they have refused to panic. Instead, the front office has taken an intelligent approach to the offseason by adding high-quality veterans on low-cost deals.
Taurean Prince and Delon Wright both joined the franchise on veteran-minimum contracts. However, neither of those additions is projected to move the needle. Milwaukee was still a step behind the Eastern Conference's biggest contenders. That all changed on Tuesday. Milwaukee added Gary Trent Jr. on a one-year "prove yourself" veteran-minimum contract.
Free agent G Gary Trent Jr. has agreed on a one-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, Rich Paul and Lucas Newton of @klutchsports tell ESPN. Trent reunites with Damian Lillard and joins a Bucks organization that recruited him hard to chase a title with them. pic.twitter.com/jXmQuCcRMx
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 16, 2024
Trent, 25, is a versatile wing who can light it up from the perimeter. Last season, he shot 39.3% from deep on 6.4 attempts per game. He can also score off the dribble, create his own shot and defend multiple positions. He's the ideal role player for a team that was craving reliable floor spacing.
Most importantly, Trent provides much-needed insurance for Khris Middleton, who has struggled to remain healthy over the past two seasons. Milwaukee now has two high-level movement shooters who are also highly effective when spotting up. Doc Rivers can develop some interesting substitution patterns to ensure there's always a catch-and-shoot threat on the court when Giannis Antetokounmpo is in the game.
Milwaukee ranked 11th in three-point percentage last season, converting 37.3% of its attempts. Nevertheless, its spacing often proved to be an issue, especially when Giannis and Damian Lillard shared the court.
Trent's addition repositions the Bucks as a serious threat in the East. What was emerging as a disastrous summer has quickly turned into a masterclass on filling out a roster on a tight budget.
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