Milwaukee Bucks guard Brandon Jennings is reportedly "strongly" considering picking up the team's Qualifying Offer in order to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Meanwhile, the Bucks are said to be close to signing free agent Gary Neal, and a contract extension with Larry Sanders appears likely to happen before Oct. 31.
The Bucks made Jennings a restricted free agent by issuing him a $4.53 million Qualifying Offer. Jennings and the team remain in contract talks, but they're unable to agree on a final number, HoopsWorld reported. Jennings wants a deal worth $48-$50 million, but Milwaukee appears unwilling to pay that.
Without any offer sheets, Jennings doesn't have options. The 23-year-old point guard is now "strongly" considering accepting the Qualifying Offer and becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer, according to a HoopsWorld source.
Picking up the option allows Jennings to audition all of next year for potential teams, and it essentially gives him the right to veto any unwanted trade by the Bucks.
If Jennings has a great season with Milwaukee, his value would increase next summer and he could demand a hefty contract as an unrestricted free agent. If he doesn't, he could have trouble finding a team next summer in a free agent market that's saturated with talent.
While Milwaukee decides what to do about Jennings, the team is reportedly close to signing San Antonio Spurs free agent Gary Neal. Milwaukee is "on the verge" of netting the point guard, Marc Stein of ESPN reported over the weekend.
Neal improved his value with great performances during the NBA Finals. The Spurs earlier this month withdrew its Qualifying Offer to Neal, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Extension talks, meanwhile, continue with Larry Sanders. Both sides appear eager to complete a deal, HoopsWorld reported. Sanders becomes a restricted free agent after this season, but a deal being reached by Oct. 31 seems likely.
The 24-year-old forward is a key part of the Bucks future. He averaged 9.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game last season. Despite his team not making the playoffs, he's excited about the prospect of staying in Milwaukee.
"I definitely can spend my career there," Sanders told RealGM on Sunday. "Milwaukee adopted me when I got drafted and the people there took me in and showed me nothing but love and support whether I played or not. It's awesome now to give that back to them, give them something to watch and entertainment."
Sanders has until Oct. 31 to reach a deal with Milwaukee, otherwise both sides must wait until after the regular season to resume contract talks.
