For the Milwaukee Bucks, its been a season of shattered bones and shattered hopes, bruised muscles and bruised egos and, well, a lot of losing.

Playoff hopes look slim “ even in the dreadful Eastern Conference “ and many Bucks fans are already salivating over potential lottery picks Greg Oden and Kevin Durant (although subconsciously they already know the Bucks will sneak into the eighth playoff spot, get swept in the first round, draft a stiff like Joakim Noah, and eventually move the team to Las Vegas).

While it might be a little too early to give up on this season, its never too early to start looking to next year. Milwaukees roster has plenty of expiring contracts, and for some of their current players, their time as a Buck might stop here. Will they stay or will they go?

Mo Williams: Go. Mo has exceeded all expectations from when he signed with Milwaukee three years ago, which is both good and bad news for the Bucks. Of course theyre happy with his play, although he might not be a true point guard, its hard to argue with averages of almost 19 points, six assists and five rebounds a game.

Unfortunately, the other 29 teams in the NBA arent oblivious to what Mo has done in Milwaukee. He should be very sought after when his contract expires this summer, and the Bucks might not live up to their name if a contender like Miami or Cleveland decides to show Mo the money.

Charlie Bell: Stay. Speaking of exceeding expectations, nobody could have expected Bell to ring this hard for Milwaukee after a brief stint in Europe.

Bell has made the most of his opportunity, averaging over 10 points per game in his two seasons coming off the Bucks bench. His price tag will rise in the off-season, but the Bucks will expect the same of his performance.

Ruben Patterson: Go. Everybodys favorite former sexual assault culprit (sorry Kobe) has done a nice job for the Bucks since they acquired him from Denver for Joe Smith last summer. Rube is averaging 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and, best of all, zero arrests per game this season in Milwaukee, and should be able to cash a nice check come free agency.

Ersan Ilyasova: Stay. The Bucks 2005 second-rounder is still a project, but has shown signs that he can be a solid player. His agent might not be fielding too many calls this year, but if he keeps improving, his time will come.

Earl Boykins: Go. Earl the Pearl was a nice quick fix when the wounded Bucks were at their worst, but the healthier they get, the smaller the 5-foot-5-inch point guards role gets.

Boykins is under contract after this season but has a player option for 2007-08. Expect him to flee for more money and more playing time.

Terry Stotts: Go. Far, far away. Theres only so much blame that can be attributed to injuries and inexperience. Stotts play-calling has been questionable as has his relationship with certain players, particularly Andrew Bogut, who figures to play a prominent role in the Bucks future.

Stotts might be getting a raw deal when Larry Harris shows him the door this summer, but he can talk to Terry Porter about it.

As is evident, the Bucks might be re-shuffling their bench once again. Then again, theyll have to if they want to make room for Oden or Durant.

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