Bucks prioritize re-signing Jennings
Milwaukee Bucks general manager John Hammond told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that re-signing point guard Brandon Jennings is a priority.
The team plans to aggressively try to retain the free agent point guard.
Free agency begins Monday and players can officially sign with teams starting July 10.
The Bucks made a $4.3 million qualifying offer and can match any offers teams make to Jennings, who is a restricted free agent.
"It's our intention for Brandon Jennings to remain a Milwaukee Buck," Hammond said. "We're hoping to negotiate with him fairly through the July process.
"At the conclusion of our negotiations, if we have not reached a deal and they choose to go out and seek an opportunity in the open market, our intention then would still be to match."
Jennings has been the Bucks starting point guard since he was drafted 10th overall in 2009. He averaged 17.5 points, a career-high 6.5 assists and 3.1 rebounds while shooting 39.9 percent in 80 games.
"I don't think we should ever negate what Brandon has done for us over the last four years," Hammond said. "In his four years in the NBA he's been on two playoff teams. He's made tremendous efforts for us.
"He's been a warrior. It would be very unfair to us to underrate his prominence within our team."
The Bucks have a new coach in Larry Drew and three unrestricted free agents in Mike Dunleavy, Monta Ellis and J.J. Redick. Ellis is opting out of his contract after turning down a two-year extension late last year.
