Milwaukee Bucks general manager John Hammond stressed in a recent interview that he hopes to retain wingman Tony Snell, who will be a restricted free-agent this off-season. Snell, who blossomed into a reliable perimeter defender and knock-down 3-point shooter last season, has become a priority for the Bucks front-office heading into the free-agency season.
Keeping Snell in ‘Brewtown’
In the presser via the Star Tribune, Hammond believes the feeling is mutual for both parties to come up with a new deal. The Bucks GM acknowledge Snell’s growth as a player and what he brings to the team, especially as a lock-down wing defender and high-percentage shooter from beyond the arc.
After three seasons in Chicago, Snell was traded to the Bucks before the start of the 2016/17 season to fill in the role left void by Khris Middleton, who suffered a torn hamstring during training camp. The 25-year old Snell gained significant playing time right away and gradually earned more minutes from head coach Jason Kidd as the season progressed.
Snell’s season averages of 8.5 points and 3.1 Rebounds Per Game aren’t eye-popping, but his impact on the defensive end and floor-spacing ability (40 percent from 3-point territory) made him an important piece of the young team.
In the postseason, the former first-round pick further increased his free-agency stock after averaging 10 points on 50 percent field-goal shooting and 50 percent from beyond the arc.
He also played solid defense on Toronto Raptors star DeMar DeRozan and even held him to 8 points on 0-for-8 shooting in Game 3.
Snell is projected to receive an offer sheet that can pay him at least $15 million per year, but the Bucks has the ability to match any offer because they have his bird right.
Parker’s contract talks
Although Hammond was impressed by Parker’s progress from a torn ACL in his left knee, the Bucks’ GM didn’t provide any update on the player’s contract extension.
Parker, who averaged 20.1 points on 49 percent shooting with 6.2 boards per game before suffering his second major knee injury, is eligible for a contract extension this off-season.
Many writers believe the former no.2 overall pick has the potential to become a great complimentary piece to Giannis Antetokounmpo because of his versatility and scoring ability.
Unfortunately, his future in Milwaukee is up in the air due to injuries.
Update on Monroe
Hammond plans to take a wait-and-see approach on Greg Monroe’s contract situation. The former Georgetown standout can enter the free-agency fray this off-season by not exercising his player’s option for 2017/18 season worth $17MM. Monroe averaged 11.7 points and 6.6 rebounds per game for the Bucks during the regular season and played incredibly well in the playoffs. Hammond wants to know what Monroe’s decision will be before making his move on the matter.
