The Milwaukee Bucks and the guard O.J. Mayo have agreed to a three-year, $24 million deal, according to ESPN.com citing league sources.
Mayo played for the Dallas Mavericks last season, his only year with the team. The University of Southern California product averaged 15.3 point per game and shot 44 percent from the field. He also added 4.4 assists per game.
The Bucks are most likely bringing in Mayo to replace the hole left by guard Monta Ellis. Ellis and guard Brandon Jennings gave the Bucks a two-headed scoring backcourt. Last season Ellis averaged 19.2 points per game and six assists. Jennings averaged 17.5 ppg and 6.5 assists.
Mayo is a slightly different player than Ellis. The former member of the Memphis Grizzlies has a much better outside shot than Ellis and will be more successful from the three-point line. However, Ellis is a better all around scorer who can get to the rim at will and finish some of the toughest shots a fan will ever see.
The Bucks cannot officially sign Mayo until the league-wide moratorium on free agent signing and trades is lifted on July 10.
There has been a lot of speculation as to where Ellis will end up. The Knicks were rumored to have interest in Ellis. However, it is unlikely he will sign there since they just resigned Sixth Man of the Year J.R. Smith and could only offer Ellis the $3 million mid-level exception.
Another team reportedly interested is the Denver Nuggets, according to RealGM. The Nuggets are most likely looking to pick up an impact player since guard Andre Iguodala left to sign with the Golden State Warriors.
