Gary Trent Jr., a dynamic 6’5″ sharpshooter, recently inked a surprising minimum contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite his impressive resume, featuring 553 three-pointers over the last three seasons and a robust defensive game, the NBA market undervalue Gary Trent Jr. this summer. How did this happen?
Why Did the NBA Market Undervalue Gary Trent Jr. This Summer?
Trent Jr., only 25, boasts the skills most teams covet in a 3&D wing. Yet, he lingered in free agency far longer than expected. It’s possible he declined long-term deals, aiming to reset his market value for next summer. However, it’s likely those offers didn’t surpass the Non-Tax MLE of nearly $13 million annually, meaning he walked away from over $10 million per year.
Opting for the Bucks, who recently lost Malik Beasley to the Detroit Pistons, was a shrewd move. With Milwaukee poised for a playoff run, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, Trent Jr. will get ample exposure through multiple national TV games. His previous experience with Lillard in Portland should enhance their on-court chemistry.
Nevertheless, it’s puzzling that a player of Trent Jr.’s caliber wasn’t a top priority for more teams. His post-All-Star break performance with the Toronto Raptors—averaging 19.1 points per game and making 59 three-pointers—should have bolstered his appeal. Despite the Raptors’ injury woes giving him more scoring opportunities, he maximized his chances, showcasing his two-way prowess.
So, did the market fail Trent Jr., or is he another casualty of a restrictive CBA, forcing teams to rethink their priorities? This summer, the Oklahoma City Thunder handed out nearly $100 million to Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins, making Trent Jr.’s market neglect even more baffling.
For Trent Jr. and his camp, the hope is next summer will be different. However, players in similar positions might consider negotiating extensions rather than risking a lukewarm reception in free agency. According to Sportsnet’s Michael Grange, the Raptors were willing to extend Trent Jr. at around $15 million per year, lower than his $18.6 million salary for the 2023-2024 season.
In today’s NBA economy, where the salary cap wields more power than ever, players like Trent Jr. might not receive the market recognition they deserve. The cap’s iron grip can make even the most talented players appear less valuable than they truly are.
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