It looks like the Milwaukee Bucks and Brandon Jennings will be together for at least one more. The team has been looking to trade the point guard over the last two weeks. After several unsuccessful attempts to send Jennings on his way, it looks like the two will stick it out for one more season.
The Jennings drama continues to get deeper and deeper the longer he stays on the team. Both parties appeared ready to move on from one another. The point guard wanted big money on a big market stage. The Bucks were ready to honor that wish. They began to prepare for his absence by targeting point guard Jeff Teague from the Atlanta Hawks. They went so far as to put down an offer sheet on the restricted free agent which was then matched by the Atlanta Hawks.
Milwaukee sought out sign-and-trade deals, but could never find the perfect match. As a result, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports Jennings will likely play one more season for the team under a qualifying offer worth $4.5 million. Since it will be a contract year for Jennings, he will be more compelled to return and play highly motivated. He wants the money and has to prove he is worth it.
With the absence of Monta Ellis, there should be no friction on the team for Jennings. The Bucks have a new coach and a new system. Jennings can be the man in Milwaukee for a year. He will not be splitting time and can get into a rhythm after a season that saw him shooting just 39.9 percent. His tendency to take bad shots and not finish well has cheapened his value to teams. If Jennings can bounce back as a more efficient player, the Bucks could get a deal for him after training camp or by the trade deadline at least.
Jennings reportedly thought he deserved $12 million a year while most teams felt he was in the $7-8 million range. Most big market teams showed little interest in him, making it more and more likely that he remains in Milwaukee. Having Jennings back will be key for new head coach Larry Drew as they can both develop together. Time for both sides to swallow their pride.
