Bucks play it smart with Bell

It seems the Bucks are finally learning the value of a salary cap dollar.

After wildly overspending on fringe talent such as Dan Gadzuric and Bobby Simmons, the Bucks have stayed within market value in their offer to restricted free agent Charlie Bell.

The Bucks have reportedly offered Bell a three year deal worth $3 million a season. For a marginally skilled player with damaged knees, I would call that offer more than fair. Bell doesn't see it that way.

His agent told the Racine Journal Times that Bell feels "unappreciated" by the Bucks. He says the Bucks have "poisoned the water" between Bell and the team by even making such an offer.

Break me off a piece of that Kit Kat bar, Charlie. If that is your actual feeling on the matter (which I doubt) you need to grow up. As Tom Hagen said to Michael Corleone "This is business, Mike, not personal!"

Bell is reportedly upset that the Bucks flatly refused his demand for nearly $20 million over 5 seasons. He shouldn't be. If in fact he is worth that much money, he should have no problem finding other NBA teams who are willing to pay it. The market will bear what the market will bear.

The fact is he isn't worth anywhere close to that amount. Thankfully, on this occasion, the Bucks were able to recognize that.