The dialogue is open but that's about all that is going on in regard to the Milwaukee Bucks and Gary Payton.

As is the case with all National Basketball Association free agents, Payton cannot sign a contract until July 16. But Bucks general manager Larry Harris has been in contact with Payton's representatives, led by Aaron Goodwin of Goodwin Sports Management in Seattle.

"Nothing more further to update than just continuing conversations," Harris said.

Goodwin was unavailable for comment Thursday. He is also the agent for LeBron James, the No. 1 overall pick who signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday. Goodwin was in Cleveland and then traveling back to Seattle on Thursday evening.

The Bucks are faced with three possibilities with Payton. They can sign him and keep him, work out a sign-and-trade deal with another team or lose him and get nothing in return.