Chris Kramer is close to signing a professional basketball contract.

And he could start his first pro season close to home.

Kramer, a Huntington native and Purdue graduate, said he expects to sign a contract with the Milwaukee Bucks soon and will participate in training camp. Ultimately, he anticipates starting the season for the Bucks’ NBA Development League affiliate in Fort Wayne, there is no deal in place for that arrangement. Mad Ants president Jeff Potter declined comment.

“We had a couple things that were in the mix and then (agent) Buddy (Baker) thought it was the best situation,” Kramer said. “He said coach (Scott) Skiles really liked the way I play. It’s obviously a big step.

“I’m excited for a chance to go to training camp. With the Bucks, they really don’t have any spots available for guaranteed money. Their 15-man (roster) is full, so it’s just a chance to go up there and hopefully have a good camp and put yourself in an even better position than you were when you stepped in to go to camp. Go down to play with the Mad Ants and hopefully play well again and make the dream come true and play in the NBA.”

Kramer will sign a contract when he gets to Milwaukee on Wednesday, Baker said. Kramer will work out there until training camp begins Sept. 28. The Bucks have eight preseason games, and their regular season starts Oct. 27.

Kramer had a pre-draft workout with the Bucks and also spent time in Milwaukee working out before the Pacers nabbed him for their team in the AirTran Airways Pro Summer League in Orlando.

Baker said there’s a chance Kramer could stay with the Bucks or land on another NBA team before the D-League option comes into play.

“You have to go through the process,” Baker said. “The roster is full, but Chris is a guy who sometimes makes people change their minds.

“His first objective is to play with the Bucks. … Teams could sustain injuries, have openings, and he could wind up on another NBA team. That happens every year and will happen again this year. Will it happen to him? I don’t know. But ultimately that could happen.”

Kramer would have to sign a D-League contract to play with the Mad Ants, who start camp Nov. 8 and play their first game Nov. 21.

sclardie@jg.net