Bucks Turning Back To Jennings: The Milwaukee Bucks’ failed pursuit of Atlanta Hawks free agent Jeff Teague was in part about Teague as a player, but was also about cost. The Bucks’ offer to Teague was roughly $8 million per season or about $4 million less per year than incumbent guard Brandon Jennings is seeking. The Bucks felt Teague fit a little better and was surely a little cheaper, but sources close to the situation said that keeping Jennings was never off the table and with Atlanta matching Teague’s offer sheet, the Bucks will return their focus to trying to reach a deal with Jennings.
The Bucks issued Jennings a $4.53 million Qualifying Offer in order to make him a restricted free agent, so they have the right to match any offer he receives on the open market. Jennings could opt to take the one-year offer and become an unrestricted free agent next year, something his camp has hinted is a possibility if the right offer does not come his way.
The Bucks have been aggressive in trying to change the culture of their team, which is why they looked at changes at point guard and why they have made some of the free agent moves they have made this summer.
The acquisition of O.J. Mayo and Carlos Delfino were part of that character movement, as was the addition of Zaza Pachulia.
Most around the NBA scratched their heads at the three-year, $15 million deal the Bucks gave Pachulia, but sources close to the situation say Pachulia had received numerous two-year offers at $5 million per season and that it took the third year to get him to Milwaukee.
The Bucks view Pachulia as not only an effective enforcer, but also as a leader and role model for the Bucks’ emerging big men Larry Sanders, Ekpe Udoh and John Henson.
The Bucks believe they can reach a deal with Jennings, although it’s extremely clear that it will need to be on their terms and that may take some time to reach.
The Bucks still have roughly $19 million in usable cap space, but are expected to begin extension talks with Sanders and still have Jennings to deal with.