Milwaukee Bucks Trade Rumors

Sixers, Bucks trade bench players
"After weeks of speculation that the 76ers might trade one or more of their core players, yesterday they executed a trade that was essentially a swap of bench players. In a trade executed just a few hours before the NBA's 3 p.m. trading deadline, Sixers president and general manager Ed Stefanski traded seldom-used guard Royal Ivey, almost never-used center Primoz Brezec, and a 2010 second-round draft pick to the Milwaukee Bucks for two rarely used players: rookie guard Jodie Meeks and center Francisco Elson. According to a source close to the situation, the trade's primary focus was the acquisition of Meeks, a shooting guard high on the Sixers' 2009 draft board. Meeks, averaging 4.1 points ..."
Sixers make deal with Bucks
"In a move that might not shake up the team but almost surely will shake up the fans, Sixers general manager Ed Stefanski has traded guard Royal Ivey and center Primoz Brzec to Milwaukee. The Bucks also get a second-round pick from the Sixers. Brzec confirmed after practice to the Daily News that he and Ivey had been dealt. The Sixers will receive Jodie Meeks and Francisco Elson. Meeks, a rookie shooting guard out of Kentucky, played in 41 games for the Bucks, averaging 4.1 points in about 12 minutes per appearance. As a rookie, Meeks has two years with an option remaining on his contract. Elson, a 7-footer in his sixth season out of Cal, played in just 11 games this year and averaged under ..."
Sources: Bucks, 76ers agree to trade
"The Milwaukee Bucks have agreed to a trade that will send Jodie Meeks and Francisco Elson to the Philadelphia 76ers for Primoz Brezec, Royal Ivey and a second-round draft pick, two league sources told ESPN.com NBA Insider Chad Ford. The teams are awaiting a trade call to finalize the deal by Thursday's 3 p.m. ET trade deadline."
Bucks and Sixers: Serious trade talks
"The Milwaukee Bucks are in serious talks with the Philadelphia 76ers about a deal that will send Jodie Meeks, Francisco Elson and a second-round pick to the Sixers for Primoz Brezec and Royal Ivey, two league sources told ESPN.com."
Alexander is part of Salmons deal
"It took most of the night and into the early morning, but the Bucks and Chicago Bulls have finalized the deal that will send guard-forward John Salmons to Milwaukee. According to league sources, the Bucks will include second-year forward Joe Alexander and fifth-year forward Hakim Warrick in the trade. Both have expiring contracts that the Bulls covet as they clear salary space for a run at a top-tier free agent this summer. Alexander, the eighth overall pick in the 2008 draft, had his third-year option declined by the Bucks in early November. He has been playing with the Fort Wayne franchise in the NBA Development League after missing all of training camp and more than two months of the ..."
Bucks ready to acquire Salmons from Bulls
"John Salmons played a huge role as the Chicago Bulls secured a playoff berth and nearly upset the Boston Celtics in a first-round series last season. Now the Milwaukee Bucks are gambling he can have a similar impact for them in the final 30 games this season as they try to gain a playoff spot for the first time since 2006. The Bucks were set to acquire the 6-foot-6 guard before Thursday's trade deadline in exchange for expiring contracts, league sources said, although the Milwaukee players involved were not confirmed as of Wednesday night. Forward Hakim Warrick and center Francisco Elson were the Bucks players expected to be in the deal, but late Wednesday the situation was still fluid ..."
Bucks face barriers in finding forward
"It's no secret the Milwaukee Bucks would love to pair a high-scoring power forward with 7-foot center Andrew Bogut. But whether they can accomplish it before the league trading deadline at 2 p.m. Thursday is a more difficult matter. General manager John Hammond has some expiring contracts to dangle if he wants to make a deal. But he also has to carefully consider the financial ramifications of any contracts the Bucks acquire, particularly with the uncertainty of the NBA's labor situation when the current collective bargaining agreement expires in the summer of 2011. Bogut is well aware of all the power-forward talk, which he has heard numerous times since arriving in Milwaukee as the ..."
Bucks' interest in Murphy waning?
"The Milwaukee Bucks have shuffled their roster for several different offers for Indiana Pacers forward Troy Murphy, but a big stumbling block for a deal has been the Pacers' reluctance to take on guard Charlie Bell, who is due $7.8 million over the next two seasons. The impasse has some team officials skeptical that talks will be revived. Murphy, 29, has been on the Cleveland Cavaliers' list of targets, but the Cavs remain focused on deals for Phoenix's Amar'e Stoudemire or the Washington Wizards' Antawn Jamison."
Pacers trade talk
"Some of you have asked what's been discussed between the Pacers and the Milwaukee Bucks. Talks are in the very early stages. The two teams haven't even discussed what the Pacers would be getting in return for Murphy. I've been told that the Pacers are looking to acquire some young players that could possibly fit into their future plans or get expiring contracts in return for Murphy when talking to teams. The Bucks have a number of players in the final year of their contract."
Kurt Thomas: The fallback trade option
"In college at TCU, Kurt Thomas once led the nation in scoring and rebounding, making him one of only three players in NCAA history to do so. Two-and-a-half years ago, his expiring $8 million contract was deemed so unappealing by Suns owner Bob Sarver that Phoenix agreed to surrender two unprotected 1st-round draft picks to Seattle, getting back only a 2nd-rounder in return (the second of those unprotected 1st-round picks goes to the Thunder this June, which is why Phoenix is currently looking for at least one 1st-round pick in any Amare Stoudemire trade). Thomas is currently playing for his seventh NBA team as he works his way through his 15th NBA season, and he soon could end up with his ..."
Sources: Bucks to sign Stackhouse
"The Milwaukee Bucks will sign veteran guard Jerry Stackhouse to a contract for the rest of the season, according to NBA front-office sources. Sources told ESPN.com that Stackhouse is expected to formally sign with the Bucks on Monday or possibly Tuesday after the Martin Luther King holiday. The former All-Star guard has been looking for a new team since the summer and was targeted by the Bucks -- who began play Sunday two games out of the final playoff spot in the East -- after Michael Redd suffered a season-ending knee injury last Sunday in Los Angeles against the Lakers. Foot and knee problems limited Stackhouse to just 10 games last season with Dallas, but the 35-year-old has insisted ..."
Redd out for season
"A basketball source has confirmed that Michael Redd suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and torn medial collateral ligament in his left knee on Sunday night in Los Angeles. The injury will sideline the Bucks shooting guard for the rest of the season. The injury is the same one that Redd suffered nearly one year ago, on Jan. 24 against Sacramento at the Bradley Center. He suffered a torn ACL and torn MCL on that night and was lost for the rest of the season. On Sunday, Redd planted on his left foot as he made a move in the lane during the Bucks' 95-77 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. He immediately was helped off the court. Redd had a magnetic resonance imaging exam done in Phoenix on ..."
Swap of fallen stars improbable
"The Houston Rockets have put Tracy McGrady on the trading block, and you just know that the let's-make-a-deal portion of the Milwaukee Bucks' fan base would like a piece of that. You know who you are. The local Monte Halls would love to see the Bucks neatly wrap up Michael Redd, place a bow on top and ship him off to Houston for McGrady in a tidy holiday exchange of highly paid, high-profile, high-scoring veterans who are both coming off serious injuries. The reality, though, is that it's highly unlikely such a trade will ever take place. After all, is it realistic to think the Rockets would trade McGrady and his coveted expiring $22.5 million contract and take back Redd, who after this ..."
Rookie may start against Bobcats
"Don't be surprised if rookie Jodie Meeks gets significant playing time again Monday night when the Milwaukee Bucks play at Charlotte to open a two-game trip. Coach Scott Skiles admitted he was searching for answers after the Bucks' 112-97 home loss to San Antonio on Saturday, a defeat that dropped the slumping Bucks to 3-9 in December. Meeks played the entire second quarter against the Spurs, and when he responded in positive fashion, he earned a season-high 28 minutes and finished with 15 points. Asked about the starting lineup after Sunday's practice at the Cousins Center, Skiles said, "We might change." But whether the 6-foot-4 Meeks gets his first NBA start or not, it's clear he brings ..."
Redd eager to play Saturday
"Michael Redd is ready to try again. This time the Milwaukee Bucks' 30-year-old shooting guard believes he is fully recovered from a left patella tendon strain, an injury he suffered in the second game of the season Oct. 31. He missed nine games and briefly attempted a comeback in late November, but he lacked explosiveness and found it hard to jump. Redd went back on the inactive list for the last seven games. But he will play off the bench in the Bucks' home game Saturday night against Portland after going through a full practice Friday at the Cousins Center. "I went through a couple practices," Redd said of his regimen, which also included a full practice with his teammates Monday. "I had ..."
Ridnour leaves game with hamstring injury
"Close losses have haunted the Bucks early in the season. But this time they held on for a 99-97 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Monday night at the Bradley Center. There were a few shaky moments, to be sure, with Carlos Delfino and Charlie Bell each missing free throws in the final 26 seconds. And there was that Lindsey Hunter offensive rebound that nearly proved costly when it resulted in a three-pointer by Bulls guard John Salmons. The Bulls did get a look at a game-tying shot in the final seconds, but Brad Miller missed badly while defended by Bucks center Andrew Bogut. Bogut's monster game (22 points, 15 rebounds) put the Bucks in position to win, and they did to halt a four-game ..."
Bogut returns quickly; Mbah a Moute no longer wearing boot
"Andrew Bogut said he made it a personal challenge to return as quickly as possible from a lower left leg injury he suffered against New Jersey on Nov. 18. Only 12 days later, Bogut was in the starting lineup Monday night as the Milwaukee Bucks met the Chicago Bulls at the Bradley Center. The 7-foot center scored 22 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to lift the Bucks to a 99-97 victory. Just having No. 6 in the lineup provided an emotional lift for a Bucks team that had dropped its previous four games, including an overtime defeat in New Orleans and a heartbreaking two-point loss to Orlando on Saturday night. "He can score the ball down there, so it's nice to be able to throw him the ball and ..."
Redd sits out, says knee not right
"Michael Redd knew he wasn't himself in the Bucks' 108-90 loss at Oklahoma City on Friday. So he told Bucks trainer Marc Boff that he needed more rest and recovery time as he returns from a left patella tendon strain suffered four weeks ago. Redd will not play in the Bucks' home game Saturday night against Orlando. He scored eight points in 22 minutes on Friday, his third game since returning from the patella injury. The veteran shooting guard did not experience the same problems in the preseason, when he was returning from anterior cruciate ligament surgery in March. But he has not been able to shake the effects of the latest injury."
Jennings allure putting TV focus back on Bucks
"As a team that has finished last in its division the previous five seasons, the Milwaukee Bucks are accustomed to playing away from the national spotlight. Their games are not sought after by the National Basketball Association's television partners when the schedules are cast. In that five-year span, the Bucks have played on national television just four times, usually against an opponent with national appeal. If you count just the last four seasons, the Bucks have been on national TV just twice. This total does not include NBA TV appearances. Last season, just as in the 2006-'07 season, the Bucks had no nationally televised games. They were not scheduled for any national games this ..."
Bogut out 2 to 4 weeks
"Bucks center Andrew Bogut will miss the next two to four weeks with a left leg strain and contusion, the team announced Thursday afternoon. Bogut missed practice on Thursday and underwent a magnetic resonance imaging exam. He was injured late in the fourth quarter of the Bucks' 99-85 victory over New Jersey on Wednesday night. The 7-foot center was examined by Bucks team doctor Michael Gordon, and the MRI exam revealed the injury. Bogut was off to a great start this season, averaging 16.1 points and 9.2 rebounds in 33.6 minutes per game. He had scored 21 points and grabbed 11 rebounds when he left the game on Wednesday after banging his lower leg in a collision with another player."
Straining to return
"Michael Redd likes what he sees from a young Milwaukee Bucks team early in the season. But the veteran shooting guard would rather be watching less and playing more. That time could come as soon as next week, Redd said Friday, if he continues to make progress after straining his left patella tendon two weeks ago. "That's my goal, to get back out there and play," Redd said of returning during the six-game homestand. "We'll have some practice time maybe Sunday or Tuesday." The Bucks are 3-1 in Redd's absence, and they will be without him again Saturday night when they meet the Golden State Warriors at the Bradley Center. But it's possible he could return to play against Dallas on Monday or ..."
Bucks to start Jennings
"Ready or not, rookie Brandon Jennings will be in the Milwaukee Bucks' starting lineup on opening night Friday in Philadelphia. The 20-year-old Jennings experienced some tough times during the preseason as he tried to defend opposing point guards and struggled with his perimeter shot. But he also made some spectacular passes and major-league steals, giving glimpses of the potential that caused the Bucks tohim with the 10th pick in the June draft. Bucks coach Scott Skiles confirmed after Tuesday's practice that Jennings would start and veteran Luke Ridnour would be the primary backup. "I felt like both guys played really well in the preseason in most of their minutes," Skiles said. "It's ..."
Deadline is today on offer to Sessions
"Ramon Sessions could be headed to the Timberwolves today, if the Milwaukee Bucks do not match a four-year, $16.4 million offer sheet to the restricted free-agent guard. The Bucks are facing a deadline today on the 23-year-old Sessions, a two-year pro who played in 79 games and led the team in assists last season. Barring a last-minute deal to clear some salary space, the Bucks are not in position to sign Sessions and remain below the league's luxury tax level of $69.92 million. "We want to keep our options open until the last possible minute," Bucks General Manager John Hammond said Thursday. He indicated he was continuing talks with other teams about potential trades. The Wolves were thin ..."
So long, Carlos and Roko
"Just when you thought it was safe to think the Raptors were done, they're not. Details are a bit sketchy at the moment, but according to league sources, they are about to finalize a trade that could send swingman Carlos Delfino and point guard Roko Ukic in a two-for-two deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. Young big man Amir Johnson is headed to Toronto but the other component of the deal remains unknown. It's unclear when the deal will be official but it could be done as early as today or tomorrow. The financial aspect of the deal will be felt at the end of next season. If the deal is two-for-tw and the final player added is not waived, it will fill out Toronto's 15-man roster and spell the end ..."
Hakim Warrick chooses Milwaukee Bucks over Cleveland Cavaliers
"As happens often in the free-agent process, it is on to the next for the Cavaliers. Friday, power forward Hakim Warrick accepted a contract offer from the Milwaukee Bucks over one from the Cavs. The proposals were not the same. The Bucks reportedly signed Warrick to a one-year, $3 million contract, and he will have a chance to compete for a starting job. The Cavs' offer was their bi-annual exception of just under $2 million to take position behind starter Anderson Varejao. The Cavs still are believed to want to add another forward. One player under consideration is Joe Smith, who finished out last season with the Cavs. He averaged 6.5 points and 4.8 rebounds in 21 regular season games ..."
Warrick agrees to join Bucks
"Hakim Warrick, an athletic 6-foot-9 forward who played the past four seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, has reached agreement with the Bucks on a one-year deal, sources indicated Friday. Warrick averaged 11.6 points and 5.0 rebounds while appearing in all 82 games for the Grizzlies last season, primarily in a bench role. The Grizzlies withdrew their qualifying offer to Warrick last week, making him an unrestricted free agent. A number of teams showed interest in Warrick, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers and Charlotte Bobcats. Warrick is able to play both the small forward and power forward positions and should have an opportunity to start for the Bucks, who have lost ..."
Knicks' options are Sessions, Iverson
"Ramon Sessions could receive a contract offer from the Knicks as early as Friday, assuming they don't have a change of heart and shift their point-guard focus to Allen Iverson. Mike D'Antoni is said to favor Sessions, a restricted free agent who enjoyed a breakout season for Milwaukee last year. However, Iverson could be a cheaper alternative because the perennial All-Star is willing to accept a one-year contract that would cost the Knicks their $5.85 million mid-level exception. Sessions, 23, is hoping to receive a multi-year contract starting with the mid-level exception. The Bucks would have seven days to match the offer. According to a team source, Knicks president Donnie Walsh and ..."
Knicks' options are Sessions, Iverson
"Ramon Sessions could receive a contract offer from the Knicks as early as Friday, assuming they don't have a change of heart and shift their point-guard focus to Allen Iverson. Mike D'Antoni is said to favor Sessions, a restricted free agent who enjoyed a breakout season for Milwaukee last year. However, Iverson could be a cheaper alternative because the perennial All-Star is willing to accept a one-year contract that would cost the Knicks their $5.85 million mid-level exception. Sessions, 23, is hoping to receive a multi-year contract starting with the mid-level exception. The Bucks would have seven days to match the offer. According to a team source, Knicks president Donnie Walsh and ..."
Nuggets set to acquire Allen from Bucks
"Yes, the Birdman will be back, but who are the Nuggets' other low-post reserves? Malik Allen will apparently take one of those spots. The Nuggets plan to acquire the veteran power forward from the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Sonny Weems and Walter Sharpe, an NBA source said Tuesday. The trade could become official this week, the source said. If the Nuggets don't re-sign Johan Petro, the only other backup big man is Steven Hunter, a 7-foot question mark. The 6-foot-10 Allen averaged 3.2 points off the bench for Milwaukee last season, playing in 49 games. He has been in the NBA since 2001 and has a career average of 5.4 points per game. The Villanova product has a reputation for being a ..."
Knicks, Sessions Continue Dialogue
"Knicks president Donnie Walsh continued talks with reps for Bucks point guard Ramon Sessions yesterday, but delayed making a formal offer. Perhaps the Knicks' patient president realizes he is bidding against himself and is looking for a sweeter deal. Chubby Wells, Sessions' agent, said he spoke to Walsh yesterday and the Knicks president told him he's in a "holding patter." They agreed to talk today, Wells said. Walsh may want to see how the Sixers' Andre Miller situation plays out, and if he can steal Miller for a one-year, $5.8 million mid-level offer. But Miller, 33, still is seeking more money, and Portland is able to beat that number. Offering Sessions a deal would tie up the ..."
Former Piston Walter Sharpe traded again
"The Nuggets have agreed to trade forward Walter Sharpe, a week after acquiring him from the Pistons. Sharpe and swingman Sonny Weems will go to the Bucks for forward Malik Allen later in the week, the Denver Post reported. The Nuggets acquired Sharpe and Arron Afflalo from the Pistons last week in exchange for a future second-round draft pick and cash. Sharpe played in eight games with the Pistons last season."
Allen could be headed to Denver
"Milwaukee Bucks forward Malik Allen might be headed to the Denver Nuggets in a trade for guard/forward Sonny Weems and forward Walter Sharpe. The trade could be announced officially this week, according to The Denver Post. "We would rather not comment on trade rumors," a spokesman for the Bucks said Tuesday. Allen, who played college basketball at Villanova, was not drafted in 2000. He signed as a free agent with the Miami Heat in July 2001. He has played for six NBA teams, including the Bucks. Last season, Allen played in 49 games for Milwaukee, averaging 3.2 points and 2.1 rebounds in 11.8 minutes per game. Weems, who played at Arkansas, was drafted in the second round in 2008, No. 39 ..."
Knicks Prepare Offer For Bucks Point Guard
"With Steve Nash out of the picture for 2010 after he agreed to a two-year contract extension with the Suns, Knicks president Donnie Walsh is again zeroing in on young Bucks point guard Ramon Sessions. Walsh is on the verge of making Sessions a long-term, mid-level offer for roughly $26 million, the player's agent told The Post yesterday. Walsh met with veteran free agent point guard Andre Miller yesterday at the team's Westchester facility, but the Knicks look at the 33-year-old Miller as a one-year rental, making him a longshot option. On the other hand, Sessions, 23, now is being regarded by the Knicks as a point-guard-of-the-future type. The Knicks became reluctant to get serious about ..."
Latest chatter: Sessions over A.I.?
"Here is the latest assemblage of chatter culled from conversations with a variety of knowledgeable sources -- front-office executives, coaches, players and agents -- camped at the NBA's annual summer league here in Vegas. The distinct vibe in the stands at UNLV's Cox Pavilion is that the Clippers -- apart from owner Donald Sterling -- would greatly prefer to add more of a set-up man to a backcourt rotation that already features Baron Davis and emerging star Eric Gordon as opposed to signing Allen Iverson to a one-year deal up to the full $5.9 million midlevel exception. The top choice in that scenario? Extending an offer sheet to restricted free agent Ramon Sessions. Yet as we covered here ..."
Bucks, Ilyasova talking
"Forward Ersan Ilyasova could be coming back to Milwaukee next season, but Bucks general manager John Hammond said Sunday that no agreement had been reached yet. "We're continuing discussions with Ersan's representatives," Hammond said. "Nothing is done." There were reports during the weekend in the Spanish press that indicated Ilyasova had made up his mind to return to the Bucks, after spending the past two seasons playing for Regal FC Barcelona in Spain. The 6-foot-9 Ilyasova is a restricted free agent. The Bucks earlier had extended him a qualifying offer worth about $1 million, allowing them to match any offers from other National Basketball Association teams. Ilyasova could give the ..."
Many possibilities for potential Boozer trade
"Should they explore a Carlos Boozer trade in the wake of the two-time All-Star forward's decision Tuesday to opt against free agency in favor of playing out the final year of his contract, the Jazz can expect to have several options. A Boozer trade is expected in some circles if the Jazz re-sign restricted free agent Paul Millsap, to avoid a lame-duck season in which Boozer would be expected to leave afterward while Millsap possibly would have to continue to come off the bench. To make it happen, though, the Jazz would have to find a team interested in adding a power forward in Boozer or a team trying to save on a long-term salary commitment and/or clear salary-cap space for the ..."
Childress in play?
"From Athens to Milwaukee and back to Atlanta, the name Josh Childress is being tossed around in every direction these days. Childress is in Milwaukee today visiting the Bucks with his agent, Jim Tanner. What that means for the Hawks is that they might get a do-over with Childress, a restricted free agent again this summer as he was last summer. Last summer they lost him as an asset when he chose to sign with Greek power Olympiakos (for $20 million post taxes). What the Hawks didn't lose was the right of first refusal on Childress if he decided to return to the NBA this summer. And two of my spies have made it clear that were Childress to receive any sort of "reasonable" NBA offer (the $5.8 ..."
No qualifying offer for Villanueva
"Bucks general manager John Hammond confirmed Monday that Charlie Villanueva would not receive a $4.6 million qualifying offer by the Tuesday deadline. The Bucks' decision means Villanueva will be an unrestricted free agent, able to sign with any NBA team beginning July 8. Teams may begin negotiating with free agents on Wednesday. Hammond said the team has made qualifying offers to restricted free agents Ramon Sessions and Ersan Ilyasova. That allows the Bucks to match any offers made to them by other NBA clubs. The Bucks were part of a three-team trade last week that helped the team's precarious luxury tax situation, as Richard Jefferson was sent to San Antonio in return for expiring ..."
Stackhouse to the Bucks?
"Keep an eye on swingman Jerry Stackhouse of the Dallas Mavericks as the hours tick down to Thursday night's college draft. The Mavericks are talking up Stackhouse and his favorable contract as trade bait and the Bucks are said to be one of the teams that are listening. Stackhouse's contract is worth $7 million next season but it can be bought out for $2 million which mean a considerable savings for any team that might want to trade for him and go that route. It's very similar to the contract of Bruce Bowen who was obtained by the Bucks in the trade for Richard Jefferson. Bowen is to make $4 million next season but only half of that deal is guaranteed. If the Bucks are confident that they ..."
Jennings Sliding?
"As the candidates woke to draft day, the player sliding out of the lottery appeared to be point guard Brandon Jennings, who bypassed his freshman year of college in order to spend last season with the Euroleague club Lottomatica Rome of Italy. By my count, the only top-10 teams considering Jennings are the Knicks at No. 8 and the Bucks at No. 10, and Jennings is unlikely to go to either of them unless one or more trades change the order of the draft. The smart move would be to take Jennings out of the green room, but Jennings and agent Bill Duffy had yet to meet as of Thursday morning. I'm sure Duffy will remind Jennings that the order of the draft is meaningless; what matters is that he ..."
Bucks high on point guards
"When Billy McKinney entered the NBA as a sixth-round draft pick of the Phoenix Suns in 1977, point guards were not viewed with as much esteem as they are these days. "It's funny how the perspective of it has changed since I played," said McKinney, who is now the director of scouting with the Milwaukee Bucks. "When I first came in the league, they said point guards are a dime a dozen. "Now, every team is saying, if you want to be good - and you see it at the college level, high school level, NBA level - if you don't have a good point guard, your chances of winning, advancing, being a good team consistently, or a great team, are very limited." The Bucks have had a revolving door at point ..."
Bucks GM Hammond gets lots of advice
"Milwaukee Bucks general manager John Hammond stopped for his cup of Starbucks coffee recently when he bumped into a former champion. Brewers infielder Craig Counsell, who won two World Series titles in Arizona and Florida and has spent two different stints in Milwaukee, had a little advice. "He was like, 'It took us time to get where we're at right now,"' Hammond recalled. "I wasn't here, reading what I've read about the Brewers and the direction that they made their moves and built their teams, they had a process." Just as baseball's Brewers did in recent years, Hammond and the Bucks are going through the process of getting younger, better and more financially sound right now. And that ..."
Draft and Trade Buzz
"As the Minnesota Timberwolves prepare to make a push for Memphis' pick at No. 2, it's become clear that they won't package the fifth and sixth picks to get there. The Wolves have made it clear to teams that are trying to pry their 18th pick that it isn't available. They want to use that in combination with one of the two higher picks to make a deal with Memphis. … The Utah Jazz are enamored with University of Pittsburgh tough guy Sam Young at No. 20, who is a perfect fit for head coach Jerry Sloan. … Golden State has long been enamored with Brandon Jennings at No. 7, but league sources say the Warriors are considering Wake Forest forward James Johnson there as well. Few teams would have ..."
Report: Pistons deal Amir Johnson to Bucks for expiring contract
"The Pistons have traded power forward Amir Johnson to Milwaukee for center Fabricio Oberto, who was acquired by the Bucks from the Spurs earlier today, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Oberto's contract expires next week, meaning the Pistons basically traded Johnson for salary-cap space if the report is true. The Bucks' general manager is John Hammond, formerly Pistons president Joe Dumars' right-hand man. A "high-ranking Bucks source" told the Journal Sentinel about the Johnson trade. The 22-year-old Johnson, a 6-foot-9, 210-pound forward, was a second-round pick of the Pistons in 2005. He averaged 3.5 points and 3.7 rebounds in 62 games last season."
Bucks deal Jefferson to Spurs
"The Milwaukee Bucks agreed to trade Richard Jefferson to the San Antonio Spurs for Bruce Bowen, Kurt Thomas and Fabricio Oberto a Bucks source told ESPN.com. The two teams have agreed to the deal in principle. A trade call to make the deal official is coming later Tuesday. The move gives the Spurs a dynamic wing scorer to play alongside Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. The Spurs had promised to make their team better this summer and adding Jefferson for role players should give them a huge shot in the arm. The Bucks incentive to make the trade is largely financial. Bowen, Oberto and Thomas are all in the last year of their contracts. The deal will clear $15 million off the books ..."
Spurs discuss trade for Bucks' Jefferson
"The San Antonio Spurs are in serious discussions with the Milwaukee Bucks for forward Richard Jefferson, league executives told Yahoo! Sports on Tuesday. The proposed deal would have the Spurs send send veterans Bruce Bowen, Kurt Thomas and Fabricio Oberto to the Bucks, who are looking to shed the remaining two years, $29.2 million on Jefferson's contract for the Spurs' expiring contracts. The deal isn't completed, but league executives say both teams appear motivated to get it done."
Mbah a Moute among those picking Flynn at 10
"A few observers have the Milwaukee Bucks taking Syracuse point guard Jonny Flynn when it comes their turn at No. 10 overall Thursday night during the National Basketball Association draft. One of those observers is Bucks forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, who chose for his team in a mock draft conducted by ESPN the Magazine. "He's a very good point guard with athleticism, toughness and leadership qualities. Remember the Big East tournament?" Mbah a Moute told the magazine, referring to Flynn. But ESPN analyst Jay Bilas said during a telephone conference call Monday that Flynn wouldn't be available to the Bucks. "I think he will be gone by 10 when Milwaukee picks," Bilas said. "Although he ..."
Not tied into specific position
"Take the "best player available." It's a cliché, yes, but one that best applies to the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2009 National Basketball Association draft next week. The Bucks' biggest needs for next season will be at point guard and power forward. Even so, general manager John Hammond emphasized that - barring a trade - when it came time for the team to exercise its 10th pick in the first round on Thursday, the Bucks would choose the player rated highest on their draft board regardless of position. "We'll take the best player, in our eyes," Hammond said at a draft-related news conference Thursday at the team's Cousins Center practice facility. "We're not married to a position to that ..."
Poor draft grade for Bucks
"The Milwaukee Bucks rank 17th among 30 National Basketball Association teams in the effectiveness of their drafts over the last 20 years, according to a statistical study done by ESPN Insider. The Bucks are one of three teams assigned a letter grade of C-minus for their drafts. Orlando and Minnesota also received C-minus grades. Key to the evaluation is a metric called estimated wins added, which compares the production of a team's pick with what that pick typically generates. For example, center Andrew Bogut has a career EWA of 5.4, a solid number in this system, but No. 1 overall picks have expected EWAs of 7.8, so Milwaukee's number suffers as a result. San Antonio is deemed the best ..."