Could Jabari Parker be returning to the Bucks?

By GERY WOELFEL

The Milwaukee Bucks made a run at signing Jabari Parker last summer.

Don’t be surprised if they do so again this summer.

Parker, whom the Bucks made the No. 2 overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft and played four seasons with the team, played last season for FC Barcelona.

Parker is still under contract with FC Barcelona for two more  seasons, but has an opt-out clause in his contract to return to the NBA.

Parker is fully recovered after suffering torn anterior cruciate ligament injuries while playing for the Bucks He is one of the few NBA players to ever return to the court after undergoing ACL surgery on the same knee.

The 6-foot-8 forward played well for FC Barcelona. In his final game of the season, in a EuroLeague playoff game, Parker scored 27 points and grabbed six rebounds.

What’s more, some NBA officials who watched Parker play last season clam he may be in the best shape of his pro career. Parker, who played at around 255 pounds with the Bucks, is now around 230 pounds.

Parke, who is 29, gave strong consideration to returning to the Bucks last summer before signing with Barcelona.

The Bucks are in dire need of adding more good players and Parker would be a viable option, considering how restricted the Bucks are financially

Because of the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement rules, the Bucks, who have three roster spots available, can only sign a player to a veteran minimum contract. With eight NBA seasons on his resume, Parker could be offered $2.98 million.

According to several sources, Parker has drawn interest from several NBA teams and, barring something unexpected, is expected  to meet with several of them soon. The Bucks, Bulls and Suns, sources said, are among those teams.

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