The Milwaukee Bucks have parted ways with General Manager Larry Harris.

The team issued a statement today, saying that his contract -- which was set to expire on June 30 -- would not be renewed. The two sides mutually agreed to end the relationship early in order to allow Harris to begin exploring other opportunities.

Harris has been with the team since 1988, when he joined the team as a scout and video coordinator under his father, then-head coach Del Harris. He was promoted to director of scouting in 1996 and director of player personnel two years later before being named Assistant General Manager in 2001.

Harris spent two days as the team's acting GM following Ernie Grunfeld's departure before being named to the job full-time in 2003.

"The commitment and effort he provided the organization has resulted in many good outcomes," Senator Herb Kohl said in a statement.

"I believe at this time it is in the best interest of the Bucks to proceed in another direction. Larry's professional approach has been valued and appreciated by our organization and we wish him the best in future endeavors."

During his tenure as GM, the Bucks made the playoffs just twice and have compiled a 162-233 record including 23-44 so far this season. Current head coach Larry Krystkowiak is the third of the Harris era, following Terry Porter (2003-05) and Terry Stotts (2005-07).

While he's credited with selecting Andrew Bogut with the first overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft and Yi Jianlian lasts summer, Harris also shelled out big money to free agent Bobby Simmons (five years, $47 million) and reserve center Dan Gadzuric (six years, $36 million). Both of those signings came in August of 2005.

The Bucks have called a 4 p.m. news conference to discuss the move.