NBA probes Milwaukee Bucks’ $64 million Gary Trent Jr contract for cap circumvention
The National Basketball Association has launched an investigation into a four-year, $64 million deal between the Milwaukee Bucks and guard Gary Trent Jr, following reports that the agreement may constitute a prohibited prior arrangement.
The National Basketball Association is investigating a four-year, $64 million contract between the Milwaukee Bucks and guard Gary Trent Jr for potential salary cap circumvention. A league spokesperson confirmed the inquiry to ESPN after the deal was officially submitted on Thursday morning. The investigation focuses on whether the agreement violates the collective bargaining agreement’s clause prohibiting prior agreements.
The scrutiny stems from the significant disparity between Trent’s new valuation and his previous earnings. The 27-year-old previously signed a two-year, $7.5 million contract with Milwaukee before the 2025-26 season, earning $3.7 million during that campaign. He opted out of his player option this summer to re-sign, securing a substantial pay rise despite statistical output that was among his lowest since his rookie year in 2018-19.
During the 2025-26 season, Trent averaged 8.1 points on 38.7% shooting across 65 games. Rival executives had anticipated the re-signing for months, noting that Trent played below his perceived market value during the previous season. The Bucks established Trent’s early Bird rights, which allows the franchise to re-sign him even if they exceed the salary cap, but the timing and magnitude of the new deal have drawn league attention.
At least one other team expressed interest in a sign-and-trade for Trent before he finalised the deal with Milwaukee. The Bucks’ backcourt is now crowded with the addition of Tyler Herro, Kasparas Jakucionis, and Caris LeVert via trade, alongside existing roster members Ryan Rollins, Kevin Porter Jr, AJ Green, and rookie Brayden Burries, who was drafted No. 10 overall.
The NBA’s review echoes historical precedents regarding contract irregularities. In 2000, the league investigated and voided a contract involving the Minnesota Timberwolves and Joe Smith after discovering a secret written agreement for a multi-year extension that violated salary cap rules. The current inquiry centres on whether the Bucks and Trent entered into binding arrangements before the official free agency period or in violation of specific collective bargaining provisions.
