Update: The latest reports indicate that the Bucks will actually be sending Dooling plus a second-round pick to the Celtics, who will use a trade exception to offset Dooling's trade value. There are also rumors that the pick is protected in some way, meaning this could essentially boil down to Milwaukee giving Dooling to the Celtics in exchange for not having to pay him. Things will undoubtedly clear up tomorrow, so check Brew Hoop for all the updates.
The Milwaukee Bucks will trade backup point guard Keyon Dooling to the Boston Celtics, according to Hoopsworld's Alex Kennedy. The Bucks will receive send a second-round pick to the Celtics as well in exchange for a trade exception to offset Dooling's contract value. The trade is in place and will be executed tomorrow when free-agency begins in full. This is the second reported move by Milwaukee today, following their agreement to a two-year, $7.5 million deal with Mike Dunleavy, Jr.
Milwaukee's acquisition of Beno Udrih and Shaun Livingston as part of a three-team trade before last summer's NBA Draft left the Bucks with four point guards on the roster, raising expectations that one would be leaving the team by some method.
Dooling appeared in 80 games for Milwaukee, starting 22 in place of Brandon Jennings who broke his foot mid-season. Dooling averaged 7.1 points and 3.0 assists while leading the Bucks in net +/- (+4.9). All things considered, his performance both as a fill-in starter and off the bench was admirable, particularly on defense. However, Dooling reportedly grew unhappy in Milwaukee as last year drew on and the feeling appeared to be mutual, as all signs pointed to his departure this offseason. We here at Brew Hoop wondered if the Bucks might simply release Dooling given the minimal financial commitment: he is set to make $2.246 million this season.
Instead, the Celtics used a trade exception to absorb his full salary without sending any salary back, wiping his salary off the Bucks' cap figure. Boston will likely slot Dooling in as the backup to Rajon Rondo, though he may have to split time with 2010 Celtics' first-round pick Avery Bradley. Aside from the dollar savings, the move also frees up another roster spot in Milwaukee, improving the odds of players like Darington Hobson and Jon Leuer making the opening night roster.