Tom Enlund of the Milaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that the Bucks are still working to get Michael Redd signed before training camp opens. "Status quo," general manager Ernie Grunfeld said when asked about the Redd situation. "We're still talking." When asked if he thought that Redd would be in uniform when the Bucks conduct their first workout, Grunfeld said "hopefully".
Redd blossomed last season after scoring 11.4 points in 67 games on 47.7% shooting and connected on 44.4% of his shots from three-point range. He is expected to be Ray Allens? backup at the shooting guard position.
"We really want him to be in camp, head coach George Karl said. "It's important for him to be there. But it's a business decision. I've talked to Michael about how important it is for him to be there." Redd is one of several Buck players that are still unsigned or have signed with other teams in the offseason. Rafer Alston, Darvin Ham, Mark Pope, Greg Anthony and Greg Foster are some of the others.
"I'd like to have all of them, Karl said about the unsigned veterans who were on the team last season. "But those are luxury tax decisions."
Redd is a restricted free agent, so the Bucks have the right to match any offer from another team to keep him. Every team in the league is above the salary cap, but teams that do have either or both of their salary cap exceptions ($1.5 million, $4.5 million) could offer all or a portion to Redd.
Because of the tax, the Bucks might not be inclined to match a generous offer to Redd. Even though Redd has been a free agent since July 1, he has not received an offer from another team, which might indicate that none is coming.
Redd does have the option of signing a one-year contract with the Bucks. He could then become an unrestricted free agent after next season and seek a more lucrative contract then.