Possible scandal in the NBA involving tax evasion by the Milwaukee Bucks

The NBA may face a new scandal related to salary cap evasion. Following the harsh penalty imposed on Los Angeles Clippers for the Kawhi Leonard case, now the Milwaukee Bucks are under the league's scrutiny for the contract they agreed upon with Gary Trent Jr., who signed a 64 million dollar commitment for the next four seasons.

The investigation into the Wisconsin franchise began last summer and revolves around a deal that raised suspicions due to its economic conditions and duration. The renewal of the 27-year-old shooting guard surprised many within the NBA, especially given the performance he had provided during his previous contract.

A contract that raised suspicions

Trent Jr. arrived in Milwaukee in 2024 with a minimum contract and completed a decent first season coming off the bench. His performance allowed him to negotiate his continuation through a new agreement that guaranteed one season and included an option for another year for the player, also at the minimum salary.

However, his second campaign was statistically the worst of his career, excluding his rookie season. The shooting guard averaged 8.1 points and registered shooting percentages of 38.7% from the field and 36% from three-point range.

Despite those numbers, Trent declined his player option for the 2026-27 season and both parties ended up agreeing to a long-term contract worth 64 million dollars over four seasons. According to ESPN, it had been expected for months that the player would re-sign with the Bucks, but not for such a high amount and duration that exceeded his real market value.

This circumstance led the NBA to suspect the existence of a possible prior agreement between the franchise and the player, a practice that is strictly prohibited by the collective bargaining agreement.

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Windhorst expects a penalty for Milwaukee

Journalist Brian Windhorst addressed the investigation in the ESPN podcast 'The Hoop Collective', where he stated that it would be very surprising if Milwaukee ended up without receiving a punishment.

“I'll put it this way. Everyone in the league expects a guilty finding against the Bucks. If they don’t end up being penalized, it would be a surprise,” he explained.

Windhorst also outlined the possible consequences of an unfavorable resolution for the franchise. “If they are found guilty, they are going to lose draft picks and there will be individuals suspended indefinitely,” he warned.

In the same program, the situation Milwaukee could face was described as potentially “catastrophic,” both for sporting consequences and possible punishments to those mainly responsible.

The journalist particularly focused on Jon Horst, the Bucks’ general manager. “I don’t want anyone to lose their job, but Jon Horst is facing a disastrous situation with this team, where he could be suspended. That’s what I’m saying,” he stated. Additionally, he added that if Horst ends up losing his position, it could be “the worst general manager vacancy in decades in the NBA.”

Precedents and possible consequences

The cases of Joe Smith with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2000 and Kawhi Leonard with the Clippers represent the main precedents for these types of violations. In similar situations, franchises face the potential loss of draft capital, substantial financial fines, and suspensions of members of their management structures.

One of the big unknowns in the Milwaukee case is whether the NBA could go so far as to nullify Gary Trent Jr.'s contract, as happened with Joe Smith’s agreement with the Timberwolves.

Meanwhile, the shooting guard's participation with the team since he signed his new contract is particularly striking. Trent Jr. has only played four official games with the Bucks during the 2026-27 season, and in none has he exceeded 10 minutes of play. Additionally, he has accumulated eight games without participation, with no known injury explaining his absences.