This ex-Raptor is the Milwaukee Bucks' problem now

The 2024-25 NBA season has gotten off to a challenging start for the Milwaukee Bucks. Currently, with a record of 1-5, they find themselves at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. The atmosphere surrounding the team is markedly different from that of a well-established contender. If the Bucks don't turn things around soon, they risk losing their superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo.

One notable disappointment in the Milwaukee Bucks' lackluster season has been the performance of their newly acquired shooting guard, Gary Trent Jr., formerly of the Toronto Raptors.

Trent Jr. was expected to negotiate a new contract during the recent offseason, and there was widespread anticipation that the 25-year-old sharpshooter would secure a fair deal to remain with the Toronto Raptors—unless a competing team stepped in with a more lucrative offer. Unfortunately for Trent, he and his agent may have overestimated their bargaining power. The Raptors' initial offer of $15 million was off the table, and the team opted to decline an increase following Trent and his representation's rejection.

Subsequently, Trent Jr. signed a one-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, valued at a measly $2.4 million. That figure highlights a significant disparity compared to his last contract, when the Raptors re-signed Trent Jr. for $51 million over three years in 2021. Whether Trent Jr. acknowledges it or not, he placed a bet on himself, believing he could establish a compelling case for a substantial contract. Unfortunately, that gamble ultimately backfired.

Re-signing Gary Trent Jr. could've been disastrous for the Raptors

At $2.4 million, this contract held the promise of becoming one of the league’s most lucrative if Trent Jr. could excel with the Milwaukee Bucks. Unfortunately, he has once again fallen back into inconsistency. Trent Jr. is struggling significantly, averaging just 8.7 points per game with a dismal 30% shooting percentage from the field and an even worse 25% from three-point range.

Trent Jr.'s tenure with the Toronto Raptors was characterized by significant ups and downs. While he never fully emerged as a star, he often played the role of a valuable contributor, capable of delivering offensive bursts that resulted in games of 30 or more points. However, his performance was inconsistent; he frequently experienced agonizing stretches of scoreless play and poor shooting percentages.

This streakiness has unfortunately followed him to his current team, the Milwaukee Bucks. Trent Jr. must significantly elevate his performance if he aims to secure a successful NBA career in the coming years. As the league continues to expand with a steady influx of new talent each season, it is crucial for him to demonstrate that he can compete with the best. If he fails to do so, there is a real risk that he could be overshadowed by emerging players, jeopardizing his future in the league.

Fortunately for the Toronto Raptors, they will not have to contend with the backlash of a potentially damaging contract extension, a scenario that was once anticipated.

They dodged a huge bullet.