The NBA is investigating a four-year, $64 million contract extension between Gary Trent Jr. and the Milwaukee Bucks for potential salary cap circumvention. The deal, announced Thursday, grants Trent a significant pay raise and multi-year commitment despite his lowest production in years during the 2025-26 season. Trent averaged 8.1 points on 38.7% shooting, a decline from his earlier seasons with the Bucks.

Trent, 27, previously signed for the league minimum in 2024 and a two-year, $7.5 million deal before last season. He leveraged his early Bird rights, allowing him to re-sign with Milwaukee even if they exceeded the salary cap. The NBA's collective bargaining agreement prohibits "prior agreement," and rival executives reportedly anticipated Trent's return to the Bucks after he played below his perceived value last season.

Sources indicate that at least one team was interested in a sign-and-trade for Trent, who now joins a crowded Bucks backcourt. The NBA has a precedent for penalties in similar cases, notably the Minnesota Timberwolves and Joe Smith in 2000, where a secret agreement led to voided contracts.