Bucks’ Gary Trent Jr. investigation raises stakes for already difficult rebuild

The Bucks have enough problems at 1-10. An NBA investigation could make fixing them considerably harder.

Speaking on The Hoop Collective, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Tim MacMahon and Bobby Marks discussed the possibility of lost draft picks and front-office suspensions stemming from the league’s investigation into Gary Trent Jr.’s contract.

Those are potential consequences. The NBA has not announced a finding or punishment. But Windhorst made clear that expectations around the league are unfavorable for Milwaukee.

“Everybody in the league expects a guilty finding in Gary Trent,” Windhorst said, via Vishwesha Kumar of Fadeaway World. “If that doesn’t happen, it will be an upset.”

The investigation concerns whether the Bucks promised Trent future compensation in exchange for accepting less money on earlier contracts. Trent signed a four-year, $64 million deal this offseason after previously playing for Milwaukee on cheaper agreements.

According to the report, an independent law firm is examining the arrangement, and the Bucks and Trent’s agency, Klutch Sports, have cooperated.

Marks pointed to previous salary-cap circumvention cases in explaining why the consequences could extend beyond a fine.

“If they are found guilty, there are going to be draft picks stripped and people are going to be suspended indefinitely for a long time here,” Marks said.

Windhorst specifically raised the possibility of a suspension for general manager Jon Horst. He did not report that a suspension or dismissal had been decided.

That uncertainty comes as Milwaukee weighs its roster following the departure of Giannis Antetokounmpo. MacMahon said the belief around the league is that the Bucks are broadly open to trade discussions.

“You’re interested in somebody on the roster, let’s talk,” MacMahon said. “Like everybody on the roster is believed to be available in the trade market.”

A rebuilding team needs options. Draft picks provide young players, trade assets and some flexibility when the current roster isn’t working.

Losing any of those resources would make an already difficult assignment tougher. For Milwaukee, the immediate question is what the investigation establishes. The answer could shape decisions well beyond this season.