Pat Connaughton expected to pick up $9.42 million option with Bucks
Pat Connaughton is likely to exercise his $9.42 million player option with the Milwaukee Bucks for the 2025-26 season, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
The 32-year-old guard has until June 24 to make his decision official. If he declines, he’ll become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Connaughton has been with the Bucks since 2018, following his first three seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers. Throughout his time in Milwaukee, he’s primarily come off the bench.
His NBA career numbers aren’t flashy but show his consistency as a role player. In 440 regular-season games (with just 66 starts), he’s averaged 6.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in about 22 minutes per game. He’s a decent shooter too, hitting 44.1% overall and 35.5% from beyond the arc.
Connaughton stepped up big during Milwaukee’s championship run in 2021. During the Finals against the Phoenix Suns, he contributed 9.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, helping the Bucks secure the title in six games.
Declining Role Since Extension
Things haven’t gone as smoothly since Connaughton signed a three-year, $28.5 million extension with Milwaukee in 2022. His playing time has gradually shrunk.
Last season was particularly tough. He started just once in 41 appearances and saw his minutes drop to only 14.7 per game. His scoring dipped to 5.3 points, while his three-point shooting fell to 32.1%.
But there was one bright spot.
In the regular-season finale against the Detroit Pistons on April 13, Connaughton exploded for a career-high 43 points in an overtime win.
With another season ahead, he’ll have a chance to bounce back and prove his worth.
Bucks’ Financial Situation
The Bucks face some tough financial decisions this offseason, particularly regarding Brook Lopez.
Without Lopez, Milwaukee sits $23 million below the luxury tax and $41 million under the second apron. That’s a lot of breathing room. But losing the 37-year-old big man would definitely hurt their frontcourt depth.
If they decide to re-sign Lopez, use their $14.1 million non-tax midlevel exception, and fill out the rest of the roster, they’d be paying luxury tax for the sixth straight season.
That’s no small consideration. Since 2019-20, the Bucks have already spent a whopping $220 million in tax penalties, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
Bobby Portis and Kevin Porter Jr. also have contract options to decide on, with a deadline of June 29 to opt in.
