SerpApi.Org
The Milwaukee Bucks are facing league scrutiny after signing Gary Trent Jr. to a four-year, $64 million contract. The deal immediately drew attention, considering Trent had been playing on a minimum salary the previous season before landing a significant long-term payday.
Although Trent contributed to Milwaukee’s rotation last season, his production hardly matched the value of his new contract. The veteran guard averaged only 8.1 points per game in 2025, making the size of his deal a surprising move and one that has now prompted an NBA investigation.
The Milwaukee Bucks in trouble for Gary Trent Jr.’s contract
According to The Athletic’s John Hollinger, one specific clause in the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement could create a significant problem for Milwaukee as the league reviews the circumstances surrounding Trent’s contract.
“A violation of Section 2(a) or 2(b) above may be proven by direct or circumstantial evidence, including, but not limited to, evidence that a Player Contract or any term or provision thereof cannot rationally be explained in the absence of conduct violative of Section 2(a) or 2(b).”
Hollinger pointed out that Milwaukee could face serious consequences if the league determines the deal violated the CBA. One possible outcome would be requiring the Bucks to keep the contract in place, while another could involve the loss of draft capital. Losing a first-round selection would be especially damaging for a team trying to build its next era.
If the NBA determines that Milwaukee violated salary cap rules, the Bucks could potentially lose one of their remaining future first-round selections. The team currently controls first-round picks in 2031, 2032, and 2033, but any of those assets could become vulnerable if the league finds evidence of cap circumvention involving Trent Jr.’s contract.
