Bucks Won't Renew GM Deal

August 10, 1999 / 10:25 PM EDT / AP

The Milwaukee Bucks, big losers in the NBA's free agent derby last week, announced Tuesday night they will not renew the contract of general manager Bob Weinhauer.

Weinhauer's contract was due to expire Aug. 20. He was named the team's general manager two years ago, and he has presided over a tremendous overhaul in the team's roster and coaching staff.

Under the guidance of first-year coach George Karl, the Bucks returned to the playoffs last season for the first time since 1991 and appeared to be a team on the rise.

But last week Milwaukee lost free agents Michael Curry and Dell Curry to the Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors, respectively, undermining the team's previously solid roster. In addition, Karl, who was hired last August, has taken added responsibility for roster and personnel decisions over the last year.

Weinhauer, a career coach who was vice president of basketball operations with the Houston Rockets for two years, replaced Mike Dunleavy as general manager of the Bucks in June 1997 after a year as an assistant to coach Chris Ford, who was fired before last season.

"I am gratified to have had the opportunity to play a part in returning the Bucks to playoff basketball," Weinhauer said in a statement.

"We appreciate the effort and results Bob provided to us during his three years here, particularly the last two seasons as general manager," Bucks owner and president Herb Kohl said. "Bob gave us direction and progress at a critical time and played a key role in our improvement. We wish him well in whatever he decides to do."

During Weinhauer's two seasons as general manager, the Bucks had a record of 64-68.

Weinhauer, who coached Penn to the Final Four in 1979, may not have seen the change coming. He spoke last week of several possible trades he was contemplating and expressed hope for the team's future.

The team signed backup point guard Haywoode Workman to a one-year contract on Monday.

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