CHICAGO _ Last July, the Bucks rescinded their $4.3 million qualifying offer to Jabari Parker, a move that allowed their former No. 2 pick to become an unrestricted free agent.
Without that gesture, Parker wouldn't have been able to sign a two-year, $40 million deal with the Bulls, who hold a team option on the second season. The contract structure benefited both the Bulls and Parker, which is why Parker and his agent, Chicago-based Mark Bartelstein, thanked Bucks management and ownership in a statement.
With the Bucks off to a 10-4 start without him, Parker is still a fan of his former organization.
"Those are my guys," he said. "I love to see them do well. I'm happy for them. It's very good."
Parker was active in community service in Milwaukee and consistently speaks highly of the Bucks' medical and strength performance staff, which helped shepherd him through two rehabilitations from torn left ACLs.
