Gary Trent Jr. Joins the Bucks
According to ESPN reporter Woj, free agent guard Gary Trent Jr. will sign a one-year contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. Trent will reunite with former teammate Damian Lillard, who actively recruited him to join the Bucks in their pursuit of a championship.
Trent is one of four players in the league over the past three years to have made at least 500 three-pointers and recorded 300 steals, joining Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, and Fred VanVleet. Last season, Trent played 71 regular season games for the Toronto Raptors, averaging 13.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game.
Known for his shooting and stealing abilities, Trent was a coveted asset for many championship-contending teams. After the news of Trent's minimum contract with the Bucks broke, Lakers fans expressed their disappointment on social media, noting that Trent chose the Bucks over the Lakers despite both offering a minimum salary.
The reasons for Trent's decision are clear. The Lakers' backcourt is crowded, with players like D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Max Christie, and others vying for minutes. The Lakers' mid-level contract player Gabe Vincent also plays a similar role to Trent. Additionally, the Lakers' roster is already full, leaving no room for additional signings.
Sandro Mamukelashvili Re-Signs with the Spurs
Also reported by ESPN's Woj, free agent Sandro Mamukelashvili will return to the San Antonio Spurs on a one-year, $2.2 million contract. Last season, Mamukelashvili played 46 games for the Spurs, averaging 4.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game.
Mamukelashvili's performance alongside Victor Wembanyama at the end of the season was promising. Despite a less-than-ideal three-point shooting percentage of 29.7%, his willingness to shoot from beyond the arc helps space the floor for Wembanyama. Mamukelashvili's cutting ability and movement without the ball also complement Wembanyama's game, providing a dynamic pairing in the paint.
The Spurs initially released Mamukelashvili and other players to clear cap space for the acquisitions of Harrison Barnes and Chris Paul. Both Barnes and Paul made financial concessions to facilitate these moves, showcasing a strong mutual commitment between the players and the team.
Additionally, according to TA reporter Shams, Charles Bassey will also return to the Spurs on a minimum contract.
With these moves, the Spurs aim to maximize Wembanyama's potential, pairing him with versatile players like Mamukelashvili who can enhance his unique skill set.
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