Bucks
The NBA is taking a closer look at the Bucks’ new contract with Gary Trent Jr.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the league has opened a review into Milwaukee’s four-year, $64 million agreement with the veteran guard, a deal that became official Thursday.
The contract raised eyebrows around the NBA for several reasons.
Trent is coming off one of the least productive seasons of his career, averaging 8.1 points while seeing his role shrink as the year progressed. He even received multiple coach’s decisions not to play.
Just as notable is the path that led to the deal.
After previously earning more than $17 million annually, Trent accepted a minimum contract with Milwaukee in 2024, then signed a modest raise last summer before cashing in this offseason using his Early Bird rights.
If the league were to determine there was a prior agreement in place to eventually reward Trent with a lucrative long-term contract, it could be viewed as salary-cap circumvention.
At the moment, though, this appears to be nothing more than an investigation.
Milwaukee could point to Trent’s previous market value, as well as reports that another team had interest in signing him for similar money, as evidence the contract was negotiated fairly.
Warriors
The Warriors didn’t need to see Charles Bassey for very long to know they wanted him back.
Golden State has re-signed the 25-year-old center after he appeared in just five games late last season. According to Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area, the organization believes Bassey can provide valuable depth behind veterans Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis.
“Charles was great for us,” assistant coach Khalid Robinson said. “He does a lot of the things that we need, and he does them at a pretty high level.”
While Horford and Porzingis figure to handle most of the minutes, Bassey’s athleticism, rebounding and rim protection could make him an important option if either veteran misses time.
Nuggets
The Nuggets have officially finalized the signing of Alpha Diallo.
The former Providence standout spent the past five seasons starring for AS Monaco, where he developed into one of Europe’s top defenders.
According to Rory Maher of Hoops Rumors, Diallo signed a one-year, guaranteed contract worth the rookie minimum.
The 29-year-old was named EuroLeague Defensive Player of the Year this past season after averaging 11.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and a league-best 57 steals.
Denver continues to reshape its bench this offseason, with Diallo joining newcomers Marvin Bagley III and Tyus Jones as the Nuggets attempt to strengthen the roster around Nikola Jokic.
MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position
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