Milwaukee Bucks owner Herb Kohl and general manager Larry Harris are meeting with first-round draft pick Yi Jianlian and his representatives today in Hong Kong, a Bucks spokesman confirmed this morning.

The high-level meeting marks the first substantive talks since the 7-foot Chinese forward was selected by the Bucks with the sixth overall pick in the June 28 draft.

Sen. Kohl's presence is seen as a critical piece in negotiations to bring Yi to the Bucks. His representatives initially balked at having Yi join the Bucks and requested a trade, and they did not allow him to work out for the Bucks prior to the draft.

If the Bucks are to sign Yi, they must reach an agreement with Guangdong Tigers owner Chen Haitao and officials of the Chinese Basketball Association, and the Bucks must pay a fee to release Yi from his contract with the Tigers.

The meeting was expected to begin on Wednesday morning in Hong Kong, which was Tuesday night (Milwaukee time).