Mar 28, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. (5) during the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
MILWAUKEE, WI (WSAU) – The NBA is reportedly opening an investigation into one of the Milwaukee Bucks’ free agent deals.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the league is investigating whether the Bucks engaged in cap circumvention when they signed Gary Trent Jr. to a four-year $64 million extension earlier this month, a process teams use illegally to circumvent the salary cap or free-agent rules. According to the report, the Bucks front office promised Trent Jr.’s agents a long-term contract this summer if he signed a cheap deal for the 2025-2026 season.
Trent Jr. signed a two-year contract with Milwaukee worth $7.58 million last summer, but opted out of the second year to become an unrestricted free agent, allowing the Bucks to offer the new four-year deal.
This infringement is penalized by a fine of up to $4.5 million, forfeiture of draft picks, and even voiding the agreed-upon contract.
The only team ever found guilty of cap circumvention was the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2000, when they agreed to a secret contract with then-free agent Joe Smith. Their punishment included a $3.5 million fine, the loss of three first-round picks, and one-year suspensions for both former owner Glen Taylor and GM Kevin McHale.
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