Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball Pro Makes Strategic Move in Free Agency

Former Duke basketball player Gary Trent Jr. secured guaranteed money this summer and could earn an even better deal next year.
Matt Giles|
Duke basketball guard Gary Trent Jr.
Duke basketball guard Gary Trent Jr. | Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images

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Duke Blue Devils

Free agent Gary Trent Jr. is sticking with the Milwaukee Bucks. The eighth-year NBA guard out of the Duke basketball program agreed to a two-year, $7.5 million contract on Monday night.

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And as ESPN's Shams Charania pointed out in reporting the 26-year-old shooting guard's decision, Trent is now in position to potentially seek out a new home a year from now due to the player option in his new contract.

"The deal brings Trent back to the team where he emerged as a key rotation player, averaging 11.1 points and 41.2% 3-point shooting," Charania wrote in explaining the upside of the NBA Blue Devil's move this offseason. "[It] allows him to re-enter the free agency market next summer when many more teams will have cap space."

Gary Trent Jr. has posted a double-digit scoring average in each of his past five campaigns, including stints with the Portland Trail Blazers, Toronto Raptors, and Bucks.

His 11.1 points per game last season, his first year with the Bucks, was his lowest average over that stretch. However, in terms of efficiency from downtown, 2024-25 marked his highest 3-point percentage since his second year as a pro.

A former five-star recruit from Apple Valley, Minn., Trent averaged 14.5 points per outing as a Duke basketball one-and-done before getting drafted at No. 37 overall in 2018.

Stay tuned to Duke Blue Devils On SI for more Duke basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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