Bye-bye Bucks

Payton declines Bucks' offer, will work with team on trade

Gary Payton reportedly is deciding among the Heat, Lakers and Blazers. Garry Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Free agent guard Gary Payton, who joined Milwaukee in a midseason trade last winter, won't return to the Bucks after declining an offer from the team.

New Bucks general manager Larry Harris said Monday he spoke with Payton's agent, Aaron Goodwin, who confirmed that Payton has declined the offer to stay in Milwaukee.

"We certainly respect Gary's decision," Harris said.

The Journal Times of Racine had reported in Monday's edition that Payton would sign with the Miami Heat, Portland Trail Blazers or Los Angeles Lakers -- not the Bucks.

Goodwin told the newspaper that Milwaukee was Payton's first choice, "but it's become quite clear to him that Milwaukee doesn't want to re-sign him."

Bucks waive Peeler MILWAUKEE (AP) -- The Milwaukee Bucks waived guard Anthony Peeler, general manager Larry Harris said Monday. The Bucks had said they would cut Peeler when he was acquired with Joe Smith in the June 27 trade that sent Sam Cassell and Ervin Johnson to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Bucks have 12 players on their active roster.

Harris said the Bucks appreciated the time Payton spent with Milwaukee after being obtained in the trade that sent three-time All-Star Ray Allen to Seattle.

The Bucks barely made the playoffs with Payton and Sam Cassell as guards but battled New Jersey through six games in losing to the Nets in the first playoff round.

Cassell and center Ervin Johnson were traded June 27 to the Minnesota Timberwolves for power forward Joe Smith and guard Anthony Peeler, who was waived by the Bucks Monday.

Harris said Payton should help whichever team he chooses to play for next season.

He said the Bucks would work closely with Goodwin to explore "any sign of trade options that are mutually beneficial."

With both Cassell and Payton gone, the Bucks may have to rely more on top draft pick T.J. Ford -- dubbed their "point guard of the future" -- right away.

Harris said the Bucks need a point guard to play alongside Ford and help in the front court as well.

"There are a number of free agents out there," he said, declining to give any names.

He said the loss of the veterans provides some financial flexibility as the Bucks study their options.

Payton, a nine-time All Star who is regarded as one of the league's best defensive point guards, became a free agent July 1.

The Bucks got Payton and Desmond Mason in February for Allen, Kevin Ollie and Ronald Murray and a first-round draft choice.

Payton started 28 games for the Bucks, averaging a team-high 19.6 points and 7.8 assists. Payton led the Bucks with 18.5 points and 8.7 assists in the playoff series with the Nets.

Goodwin did not immediately return calls Monday from The Associated Press.

 

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