Ilyasova exhibits his class
If there was anyone who should have been infuriated by the recent botched trade between the Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento Kings, it’s Ersan Ilyasova.
The veteran forward would have seen his contract for $7 million next season. Instead, after being released by the Bucks, he is now an unrestricted free agent.
It’s highly doubtful he’ll be able to recoup the $7 million he lost in the bungled trade.
Yet, if Ilyasova is perturbed by the failed transaction, he isn’t showing it. In a telephone interview, Ilyasova didn’t take any verbal shots at either the Bucks or Kings.
What’s more, he isn’t dismissing the prospect of returning to the Bucks, who chose him in the second round of the 2005 NBA draft. When asked if he would be receptive to rejoining the Bucks, Ilyasova replied, “Yeah. Why not? Anything can happen.’’
The 33-year-old Ilyasova said he fully intends on exploring all of his options and there’s a good chance some team will reach out to the stretch forward who could provide it with a combination of solid offense and defense off the bench along with intangibles like commitment and professionalism.
But Ilyasova concedes Milwaukee holds a special place for him, his wife and three children. They have a home in suburban Milwaukee and even when Ilyasova played for several other teams, he maintained his residence there.
That won’t change, no matter where he winds up playing this season.
“I feel really comfortable there,’’ said Ilyasova, who played in 67 games this past season and averaged 6.8 points and 4.5 rebounds in 15.7 minutes. “Milwaukee is my home.’’
