Todd Bowles Sound Offs On Devin White’s Trade Request

Bucks head coach Todd Bowles, who attended the Bruce Arians Family Foundation gala on Monday night, made the first public comment: Devin White Trade Request about his contract dispute. White now has his fifth-year option worth $11.706 million, but wants his contract extension now. $18 million to $20 million per year.

Bowles didn’t seem unfazed by Devin White’s stance on the deal.

“We got him for another year as [general manager] Jason [Licht] said,” Bowles said. “We have discussed it. I look forward to being at

Asked if he expected Devin to attend mandatory mini-camps and training camps, Bowles said: We just guide the people there. Crowds of people are gathering now. I am happy for everyone who came and participated. ”

Bowles was asked if he had spoken to White about the current situation.

“Things don’t stand anywhere,” Bowles said. “It’s the offseason right now and everything is voluntary. So there’s really nothing to talk about at this stage. When it’s mandated and the season starts, we can talk about it. But right now there’s nothing to talk about. There is nothing.”

Bowles was also asked whether the absence of a team captain like White in the Bucks’ voluntary offseason program would affect the team.

“No, we’ve never had a volunteer program with everyone,” Bowles said. “But we’re getting 90 percent. So we’re good — we’re great. And those who are out are out for a reason. So we vote.” We are happy with the rate.”

The Bucks want White to play more consistent football to justify a lucrative contract extension. Bowles said White isn’t the only one who needs to play more consistently in 2022 the following year following his 8-9 season.

“Well, it’s from everyone,” said Bowles. “You can’t single him out and say it’s not him. It’s from everyone. If everyone is consistent, you have a successful team week after week. .”

White may choose to forego mandatory minicamps and training camps, but he has no leverage, especially since the Bucks don’t want to trade him.

Former Bucks coach Bruce Arians comments on Devin White contract dispute

Bruce Arians, who helped the Bucks draft Devin White with a first-round pick in 2019, his first year as head coach, also echoed the linebacker contract controversy at his celebrity celebration. bottom.

Bucs HC Bruce Arians and LB Devin White – Photo Credit: Cliff Welch/PR

“Come back,” said Arius. “Come back. Earn your money. It’s there. Go earn it. That’s all you have to say.”

And the Bucks, or any other team, would be happy to pay White.

“Definitely,” said Arius. “No doubt. Let’s go earn money.”

Arius also said he won’t be around much in 2023, as Todd Bowles will have to leave his own mark on the team without him.

“That’s his mark,” said Arius. “His footprint – and it should be. Last year I played a little too much. This year, it’s his team, so I’m not going to do that on purpose. Whatever the Bucs need, I’m going there.” Whatever Jason needs, whatever Todd needs – but I’ll step back and get out of the way.