The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly trying to bolster its roster by signing Los Angeles Lakers free agent Devin Ebanks. Given that teams haven't made him any offers, guard Brandon Jennings is reportedly close to signing the Bucks' qualifying offer.
Milwaukee is interested in signing Ebanks, according to HoopsWorld's sources. Ebanks is also drawing interest from the Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Bobcats and Denver Nuggets.
Selected by the Lakers in the second round of the 2010 draft, the 6-foot-9 small forward has started only 15 games. He's averaged 3.6 points and 1.9 rebounds in 11.3 minutes per game, and he shoots 38.5 percent from the field.
Ebanks, 23, would be an inexpensive insurance policy for any team needing depth at small forward.
Jennings, meanwhile, appears likely to play next season in Milwaukee. A source told HoopsWorld that the restricted free agent is "strongly" considering signing the Bucks' qualifying offer. The offer, worth $4.53 million, would make Jennings an unrestricted free agent next season.
No teams have given Jennings an offer sheet, and the guard's options are dwindling as training camp nears. Jennings and the Bucks remain in contract talks, but the two sides are unable to agree on a price. The 23-year-old believes he's worth between $48 and $50 million, but Milwaukee appears to disagree.
If Jennings signs the Bucks' offer, he can at least have the opportunity this season to audition for potential suitors and increase his value for next summer.
Becoming a free agent next season, however, could actually hurt Jennings' chances of landing a big pay day. The summer of 2014 is expected to be saturated with talent, including possible free agents LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Zach Randolph and Rudy Gay.
Milwaukee is also reported close to signing free agent Gary Neal, and contract extension talks appear to be progressing smoothly with Larry Sanders.
