Charlie Bell finally got a multi-year contract with the Bucks on Thursday.

In most cases, an event like that is cause for a lavish dinner, a rocking party or at least a champagne toast. Bell might not have felt much like celebrating, though.

Bell's emotional rollercoaster ride through the negotiations ended when the Bucks matched Miami's five-year, $18 million offer sheet.

Bell, a restricted free agent, who also had been considering an offer to play in Greece, had said he did not want to return to the Bucks under any circumstances.

That changed Thursday, because he didn't have a lot of options.

"From a basketball standpoint, signing Charlie was an easy decision," Bucks general manager Larry Harris said. " He is a terrific player and a very important part of what we are doing both this season and in the future.

"We've said all along that we wanted to have him remain on our team. Charlie is a high-character individual first and foremost, and he gives it his all in practice, in games and in the community.

"Once again, this decision continues to show Senator Kohl's commitment to winning and to the community by keeping Charlie on our team."

Bell, 28, enjoyed a breakout season for the Bucks last year, posting career-high averages of 13.5 points, 3.0 assists and 2.9 rebounds in 34.7 minutes per game. He scored double-digits in 60 games, including 20 games of 20 points or more. He ranked 5th in the NBA in steal-to-turnover ratio (0.92:1) and T-32nd in steals per game (1.18). Bell (6 feet 3 inches, 200 pounds) scored a season-high 28 points on three separate occasions and was also the only Buck to appear in all 82 games (64 starts).

"It's been a long and emotional process for Charlie and his family throughout the summer," said Bell's agent, Mark Bartelstein. "The Bucks, however, have demonstrated how important Charlie is to their team, both now and in the future.

Bucks coach Larry Krystkowiak called Bell "that final piece of the puzzle."

"Charlie is a consummate pro who gives us versatility at a number of positions," Krystkowiak said. "He is a tough, hard-nosed player who never takes the easy way out. I'm really excited about the make-up of our roster as we head into training camp next month."