As the young Milwaukee Bucks team better preps for the future, they've been dealt a wildcard with guard Monta Ellis looking to possibly test the water of free agency this offseason.
The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel is reporting that Ellis is owed $11 million in the final year of a six-year, $66 million deal he signed while a member of the Golden State Warriors.
However, the contract has a player option for the 2013-14 season and he can choose to end the deal, making himself a free agent by the time the period commences on July 1.
Discussions of an extension was made between Ellis and the Bucks but no agreement was reached.
As part of the talks the Bucks offered Ellis a two-year extension through the 2015-16 season, worth $36 million over three years, according to a source. Ellis would have been required to opt in to get the additional two years on the deal.
That includes the opt-in first year at $11 million, with annual raises bringing the total to $11.8 million in the second year of the deal and $13 million in the final year.
Ellis would have been granted some form of protection should he get injured with a three-year deal while also having the chance to be a free agent at the age of 30.
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