The NBA is currently investigating the Milwaukee Bucks' recent four-year, $64 million fully guaranteed contract extension signed by Gary Trent Jr., as reported on July 16, 2026. The scrutiny concerns potential salary cap circumvention, similar to previous probes like the Kawhi Leonard case with the Clippers. Although the league has not formally announced the investigation, sources confirm the inquiry is ongoing, with the Bucks possibly violating rules related to the timing and structure of Trent’s deal.

Trent, 27, signed the contract despite a significant decline in his performance last season, where he averaged just 8.1 points per game on 38% shooting—the lowest output since his rookie campaign. His salary will now jump dramatically to $15.2 million in the upcoming season, up from $3.7 million, even though his previous contract was only worth $7.5 million over two years. This raise comes despite his diminished role and productivity, raising questions within the NBA about the justification for such a payday.

The Bucks utilized Trent’s Early Bird Rights to negotiate the contract, which are normally granted when a player spends two consecutive seasons with a team, allowing a salary increase based on prior salary or league averages. However, Trent only joined the Bucks in 2024, meaning the team did not have the right to use those provisions a year ago. The theory circulating within the league is that the team and Trent may have agreed to the terms earlier to strategically assemble the roster around star Giannis Antetokounmpo, thereby potentially circumventing salary cap regulations.

Historical precedent shows that proving cap circumvention is complex, as seen in the famous Joe Smith case with the Timberwolves in 2000. The Buck’s situation may require extensive investigation and legal discovery, which could delay a ruling. NBA commissioner Adam Silver has previously indicated that similarly intricate cases, such as the Clippers matter, might take months or even longer to resolve, suggesting this Trent contract probe may also extend well into the offseason.