Jabari Parker is hoping for a max contract (five years) with the Milwaukee Bucks. The forward can ink an extension until October 16. If this does not happen, he will be a restricted free agent next year. The Bucks are reportedly ready to give him an extension deal, though it will likely be similar to the one Giannis Antetokounmpo signed in October. Antetokounmpo got rewarded a four-year pact worth $100 million.
Parker's problem with his ACL is perhaps the reason why Milwaukee is non-committal to a possible five-year max deal. In two of his three NBA seasons, he suffered an ACL injury.
The latest was back in February, which is keeping him out until now. The 22-year-old is expected to return to action in February of 2018. According to ESPN, Parker's agent, Mark Bartelstein, revealed that he is already negotiating with Bucks general manager Jon Horst. However, Bartelstein did not divulge any more information.
Despite being limited to 51 games in the 2016-17 season, Parker was instrumental to the Bucks. He averaged 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.0 steal per contest. He was the second-best scorer for Milwaukee, just behind Antetokounmpo (22.9 ppg) who led the team in all statistical categories during the regular seasons and the playoffs.
Bucks' options
There is no pressure for the Bucks to re-sign Parker immediately.
As mentioned, if there is no agreement reached by the deadline in October, he will be a restricted free agent. It means he can sign an offer sheet with any team in the league. In the end, it is still the Bucks who have a say in his future. Since he is a restricted free agent, they will have the privilege of matching the offer sheet if they want him to stay.
Parker for Melo
A few days ago, there were rumors that Parker was one of the names mentioned when the Bucks attempted to trade for Carmelo Anthony. The 10-time NBA All-Star is still with the New York Knicks but is predicted to leave ahead of the 2017-18 season. Unfortunately for Milwaukee, nothing happened. The Bucks have tried to land stars this offseason.
Before targeting Anthony, they were eyeing Kyrie Irving when the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers had a stalemate. They were offering the Cavs a package deal for Irving that featured Khris Middleton and 2017 Rookie of the Year, Malcolm Brogdon. Days later, the Cavaliers completed the swap that sent Irving to the Boston Celtics for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, and two future picks.
