Former Toronto Raptors shooting guard Gary Trent Jr. is drawing interest from the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania.
Charania noted on Monday that the Bucks are one of “several teams in the running” to acquire Trent after the Raptors “never extended” an offer to return the shooter beyond the 2023-24 season.
NBA source Marc Stein reported Thursday that the Los Angeles Lakers are “exploring avenues” to shed salary through a trade and create room to sign a player like Trent.
The 25-year-old's production dropped off last season when he began as a reserve before breaking into the starting lineup, averaging 17.1 points per game over the past three seasons but just 13.7 points in 71 games this season.
Still, Trent has proven to be an efficient long-range shooter, shooting 39.3 percent from three-point range last season and 38.6 percent from three-point range for his career.
Milwaukee is currently the No. 2 team subject to the luxury tax, so it may be difficult for the Bucks to acquire Trent without making other moves due to the team's financial constraints (via ESPN's Bobby Marks).
That could be an issue in free-agent negotiations, as Harrison Wind of DNVR Sports reported Thursday that Trent wouldn't accept a minimum contract to play for a team like the Denver Nuggets.
Still, his 3-point shooting accuracy would make him a great fit playing alongside Damian Lillard in the backcourt, giving superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo more space in the paint. The Bucks may also be looking to free up space to sign Trent, as Jake Fisher of Yahoo Sports revealed that Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton have been mentioned as trade candidates.
Milwaukee is looking to bounce back from a disappointing first-round exit in the playoffs, and Trent could provide more floor space for the team's two stars.
