Summer focus and final grade
Now that the Bucks have wrapped up their head coaching search following the hiring of Mike Budenholzer, Parker’s impending free agency stands as the biggest question hanging over the franchise this offseason.
While there’s plenty of questions over just what kind of offer was on the table during extension talks between the two parties last offseason, no agreement was obviously reached that would have given the Duke product the long-term security that he’s certainly seeking, given everything that’s happened so far in his pro career.
Unfortunately, no matter what side of the coin you stand on, Parker’s abridged season did little to nothing to alleviate the fears of making a long-term commitment to him when taking into account the Bucks’ big picture.
Admittedly, that was likely the expectation heading into the season, but the twists and turns over the two-and-a-half months Parker was back in action reaffirmed whatever your personal view is on him and his overall future as a player.
For all those reasons, this summer’s negotiations between the Bucks and Parker stand to be equally complex, especially with the added factor that opposing teams can sign him to an offer sheet to force the Bucks hand in whatever route the front office decides to go down.
As much as Parker may end up looking out for what’s best for him in the long run, whether that’s financially or finding the best opportunity for where he is at this point in his career, it’s ultimately a decision that lies in the Bucks’ hands.
That comes with many potential pitfalls and it’s hard to say there’s a contingency plan in place if the Bucks are prepared to let Parker walk for nothing, considering the little financial flexibility they have currently. At the same time, maybe a fresh start is what’s needed for both parties with everything that has transpired over the last four years.
BTBP Final Grade: C+
Next: Milwaukee Bucks 2017-18 Season Review: Eric Bledsoe
Make sure you stick with us over the coming days and weeks as we review the rest of the Bucks’ seasons individually.