Tom Enlund of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that Bucks coach George Karl is still talking about the Glenn Robinson trade. While leading Team USA in the World Basketball Championships, Karl spoke to reporters about the trade and his team.

After the Bucks traded Glenn Robinson to the Hawks for Toni Kukoc, Leon Smith and a first round pick, there were many critics. Karl doesn?t understand why people question the trade. He points out that most naysayers are overlooking the fact that the trade could save the Bucks over $18 million. In the era of the luxury tax, that is huge.

Also, Karl expects Kukoc to be a major contributor next season and thinks the draft pick will be a good one. Finally, the trade allows Tim Thomas to start, which could give him a boost in the regular season.

Karl indicated that it is almost a foregone conclusion that the Bucks will be paying the luxury tax next season and he was confident that they will be able to re-sign Michael Redd and possibly Darvin Hamm as well.