Jason Terry says he chose Bucks over Warriors, Cavs

Fresh off signing with the Bucks, Jason Terry admitted he chose Milwaukee over several serious championship contenders.

Of the teams that reached out to him in free agency, the 38-year-old said Thursday on SiriusXM NBA Radio that "two of them were in the Finals" - obviously referring to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors.

Rather than chasing a ring, the veteran guard sought an opportunity that would allow him to contribute, and give him a chance to coach after he hangs up his sneakers.

He found that chance in the Bucks and with head coach Jason Kidd, his former teammate on the Dallas Mavericks.

"(Jason Kidd) was all for everything that I believe in," Terry said. "And that's winning, that's becoming a positive influence in the locker room on young guys, and he values his veterans and he knows how valuable I am to him and the Milwaukee Bucks organization, and to our success this year as a team."

The 17-year vet said he "couldn't say no" to Kidd, with whom he won his only championship. He's excited to provide his leadership and shot-making abilities to the young and athletic Bucks.

"We can be darn good," added Terry, who's a 38 percent 3-point shooter and third all time in threes made.

Before selecting Milwaukee, he considered finishing off his career where he started it - with the Atlanta Hawks, who drafted him 10th overall out of Arizona in 1999. He also contacted the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers, while the Boston Celtics were on his list, though he didn't speak with them.