Michael Redd will be an unrestricted free-agent at season's end, permitting any team in the league to sign him to a contract.

For the first time since before they trashed the budget in the unsuccessful run at the 2001 NBA title, the Bucks will be in good salary-cap shape for 2005. They will have money to spend in the free-agent market and would be able to afford Redd should he choose Milwaukee as a relatively permanent career destination.

Fortunately, the Bucks might not have a lot of competition for Redd's services. Not many teams would be below the cap to the point where they could pay something close to a maximum salary, depending on Redd's accomplishments this season. But even if Redd decided to move on, the Bucks would still have sizable cap room to fill the shooting guard spot.

In such a scenario, Ray Allen's return would not be a distinct possibility. Also a free agent at the end of the season, Allen has made it reasonably clear that he doesn't intend to re-sign with Seattle. Those who have had semi-recent conversations with Allen say he still misses Milwaukee, plus the major roadblock for a possible homecoming, George Karl, has been removed.  

Redd is well aware of the options that will be presented to him on July 1st.  He knows he could be a Buck for life, gone by February or playing elsewhere next season. In any case, he also knows he's going to make a lot more than the $3 million he'll earn this year.

"But when you start talking contracts and money, that's when the fun leaves," Redd said Monday. "I just want to have fun this year."