Overview
- The NBA told multiple outlets on Thursday that it is probing the four‑year, $64 million deal Gary Trent Jr. signed to return to the Milwaukee Bucks.
- The contract is reported to be fully guaranteed and stands in stark contrast to Trent’s prior two short, below‑market deals and his down 2025‑26 season when he averaged 8.1 points on 38.7 percent shooting.
- Investigators will look for evidence that a banned, pre‑arranged agreement — sometimes called a handshake — steered Trent into minimum deals so the Bucks could later use Early Bird rights to give him a large extension.
- Milwaukee and Trent can point to reported market interest, including at least one team exploring a sign‑and‑trade, and the league will weigh that against any direct or circumstantial paper trail; outcomes could range from no action to fines or loss of draft picks.
- The probe recalls the 2000 Joe Smith Timberwolves case that led to heavy penalties, and sources warn the inquiry may take months because proving circumvention usually requires clear documentary or corroborating evidence.