Gary Trent Jr. has a big night for the Bucks.
Gary Trent Jr. has been trying to find a rhythm in his second season with the Milwaukee Bucks and while his role has definitely been different compared to his time with the Toronto Raptors, who used Trent Jr. primarily as a starter, but the Bucks have steadily been relying on him more and more.
In their most recent game, a 129-96 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, Trent Jr. saw the most usage that he's had in a long time for Milwaukee. He played 31 minutes on the floor and made the most of it with a 20 point performance while shooting 7-13 from the field and 6-10 from three point range.
Remarkably, Trent Jr. played those 31 minutes while still coming off the bench for the Bucks. From his perspective, Trent Jr. is concerned about exactly where he's playing from, whether that's in the starting five or coming off the bench. He's more concerned about what he can do to help the Bucks win more games.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. (5) speaks to referee Lauren Holtkamp-Sterling (7) during the first half against the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome. William Liang-Imagn ImagesTrent Jr. Speaks on His Opportunity
"Really good just getting an opportunity, trying to go out there and play," Trent Jr. said (via Bucks). "Contribute towards winning. That's our main focus. Trying to set a certain style of play, set a certain foundation and keep going off that. Obviously, the goal is to go out and get wins and going out there and contribute."
It's up in the air whether or not Trent Jr. will be a Buck again next season. He has a $3.8 million player option remaining on his contract for next season and how this season shaped up for Milwaukee could sow doubt as to his willingness will be to continue.
Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) drives against Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. (5) during a game at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on March 21, 2026 Patrick Breen/The Republic-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesTrent Jr.'s Future with Milwaukee
The trust and reliance that the Bucks have been showing him in recent games is a strong incentive for him to continue with the Bucks, though. Trent Jr.'s scoring numbers are down this season compared to years past at just 7..7 points per game and another season to bump up those stats before free agency could be a wise move.
Should he be used more heavily overall next season, as recent games have indicated, that could be another good reason for him to stick it out with Milwaukee and improve upon his 2025-26 campaign.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. (5) reacts after a collision during the first half against the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome. William Liang-Imagn ImagesEither way, that's still a decision for the offseason. For now, Trent Jr. has been making the most of the elevated role that he's been granted with just a handful of games left in the season.
The Bucks may be firmly out of playoff contention, but that doesn't mean that Trent Jr. can't finish the season strong.