Bill Duffy, the agent for Brandon Jennings, told Sean Deveney of The Sporting News he's "surprised" by Bucks GM John Hammond's comments earlier today that indicate the team may not pursue an extension with the point guard. Deveney reports instead that discussions on an extension may begin next week.
Hammond said in a press conference today that the extension "is not something we have to do." Jennings will enter the final year of his rookie contract next season, and if the team does not extend him by the end of October, he will be eligible for free agency in the summer of 2013. Jennings made waves in February when he said he was "doing my homework" on large-market teams as he looked to the future.
More recently, Jennings appeared to be focusing on his current team. This week he shared his thoughts on the past season, as Truman Reed of Bucks.com writes, and praised the play of teammate and unrestricted free agent Ersan Ilyasova, to whom the Bucks might commit major money this offseason.
Charles F. Gardner of the Journal Sentinel noted that Hammond spoke to the importance of continuity during the press conference, so that would seem to indicate the Bucks aren't seeking significant changes anytime soon. A disgruntled Jennings may force the team's hand, however, and though the Bucks would hold the right of first refusal if they extend a one-year qualifying offer in the summer of 2013, Jennings could simply sign that deal and be an unrestricted free agent in 2014.
Jennings probably won't be in line for a "Derrick Rose rule" five-year extension for 30% of the salary cap, but he may seek something similar to the four-year maximum deal that Kevin Love signed with the Timberwolves. While Jennings has shown flashes of brilliant play in his first three seasons, it's understandable why the team would be reluctant to put him in Love's class just yet.
Trade him. Or let him walk.
TRADE HIM OR LET HIM WALK??? He carried this injured and weak team almost to the playoffs three times. It’s only his third year and when his pretty good for his third year he could be a great player one day I wouldn’t give him away.
LET HIM WALK!
Jennings is nuts. He’s not worth anywhere near a max deal.
Pay the man, him and Monta are the Bucks.
offer him 3 yr 36 mil deal that is fair based on last seasons play, he is not near loves level but means to the bucks what love means to the wolves, which has to be taken into account
Brandon deserves it … but
BJ means alot to the Bucks….he is the face of our franchise. Monta has already told people close to him that here’s No way he will resign with Milwaukee. Let Monta go for Toronto’s 8th pick