In trading Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson to the Golden State Warriors for a package anchored by Monta Ellis, the Milwaukee Bucks not only bolster their push to make the 2012 NBA playoffs. The franchise also opens up an additional $8.5 million in 2012-13 cap space with the deal.
Monta Ellis Trade Also Frees Up 2012-13 Cap Space For Bucks
Ellis and Ekpe Udoh are on the books for $14.5 million next season, while Kwame Brown -- the third Warrior in the deal -- will see his contract expire at the season's end. Bogut and Jackson, meanwhile, are on the books for $23 million in 2012-13. Assuming no other trades and that Beno Udrih picks up his $7.3 million player option, the Bucks would stand to have just about $17 million in cap space in July. The Bucks do have to consider Ersan Ilyasova, however, as the Turkish forward will be a restricted an unrestricted free agent.
Just as the deal gives Milwaukee some cap space to look forward, it reduces Golden State’s free agent flexibility. After the deal, Golden State projects to be at the cap without adding additional players. The Warriors have already used their amnesty clause.
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