"The Bucks made a qualifying offer to forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute on Tuesday, a move that will allow them to match any contract offers made by other teams.

Mbah a Moute will be a restricted free agent, but his status could be in limbo if the owners lock out NBA players when the current collective bargaining agreement expires on June 30.

In a usual year Mbah a Moute would be able to receive offers from other teams as of July 1, but that may not be the case, depending on the result of negotiations between players and owners.

"It's always good to get the (qualifying) offer," Mbah a Moute said. "It just means you're appreciated and your work is valued."

Mbah a Moute, who was a second-round pick of the Bucks in the 2008 draft, has played three seasons in Milwaukee. He has appeared in 234 games, including 166 starts, and excelled as a shut-down defender."