Upon being drafted 15th overall by the Bucks, Avent went on to instead sign with Phonola Caserta of the Italian League. He made this decision after failing to reach a satisfactory contract with the Bucks. After one season in Italy, Avent signed a four-year deal with the Bucks, beginning with a $500,000 installment in his first season and increasing in $150,000 increments in each of the succeeding three seasons. Thus, Avent would make $950,000 in the fourth year of his contract. His average salary would be $725,000 per season.
