MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Bucks released general manager Ernie Grunfeld from the final year of his contract Sunday, allowing him to immediately pursue other jobs in the NBA.

"I have one year left on my contract and the Bucks graciously have allowed me to resign and seek other employment," Grunfeld said in a statement released by the team. "I appreciate that. I have been treated well in Milwaukee and we have had success."

Grunfeld has been rumored as a candidate for president of basketball operations with the Washington Wizards. The Washington Post reported Saturday that Grunfeld could join the Wizards' front office as early as Tuesday.

	Grunfeld

Grunfeld joined the Bucks as general manager in 1999.

The Bucks named assistant general manager Larry Harris, 40, as acting general manager.

If Grunfeld were to join the Wizards, he would likely get Michael Jordan's old job. Ironically, Jordan was interested in buying Grunfeld's old team until Bucks owner Sen. Herb Kohl announced Sunday afternoon that the club was no longer for sale.

The Wizards declined comment on a possible Grunfeld hiring, spokeswoman Nicole Hawkins said Sunday.

Bucks spokeswoman Cheri Hanson said she had "no idea" where Grunfeld was going. She said Sen. Kohl was unavailable for comment Sunday.

Grunfeld did not immediately return a message seeking comment Sunday.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.