The Bucks took care of some bookkeeping earlier today, formally exercising 2013/14 options on Tobias Harris, Larry Sanders, and Ekpe Udoh. Although that ensures those players will be under contract through at least 2014, Milwaukee can't say the same yet for its two backcourt starters, Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis. Jennings is eligible for restricted free agency next summer, while Ellis will have the opportunity to opt out of his contract and hit unrestricted free agency. Here's the latest on the Bucks guards:
- Jennings isn't getting involved in extension talks between the Bucks and his agent, Bill Duffy, as he tells Gery Woelfel of the Racine Journal Times. "I talked to [Duffy] a couple of weeks ago, but it wasn’t about the contract," Jennings said. "I can’t put my hand on what’s really going on (with contract talks). That’s why I just let my agent handle it…. If anything happens, I’m sure he’ll text me and let me know and let me know what’s offered and then say, 'It’s up to you.' But I haven’t gotten that call yet."
- Woelfel surveyed four NBA officials not associated with the Bucks to ask what they'd offer Jennings in extension talks, and the answers ranged from $9-11MM annually. Duffy is reportedly seeking the max for his client.
- Stephen Brotherson of HoopsWorld wonders if the Jennings we've seen in the 2012 preseason is one that's on the verge of turning a corner and taking a big step forward.
- As for Ellis, Woelfel says it appears "talks to extend his contract aren’t encouraging."
- Woelfel adds that, according to coach Scott Skiles, candidates to start at the three with Luc Mbah a Moute out include Mike Dunleavy and Marquis Daniels.
No way in h3ll would I give Jennings a max deal. He is mid pack of all point guards. He can’t defend bigger point guards and he is a horrible shooter. How does that equate to a max deal his agent is looking for. I’d deal both guys. They need to tear it down and start over. Enough of the 9th best team in the east crud