Milwaukee Bucks’ free agents likeliest to return: Pat Connaughton
Another key role player for the Milwaukee Bucks that will have a tough decision to make with their player option this offseason is Pat Connaughton.
Coming off the best season of his career yet, Connaughton has a player option worth $5.7 million for next season. Given how strongly he played, he could certainly earn himself a raise during this upcoming free agency period. The Bucks should do everything in their power to bring back Connaughton for next season, given how important he has proven to be for this team over the past several seasons. Although it will not be easy, it is possible to get a new deal done, given that Connaughton ultimately opts out, which seems inevitable.
Connaughton has been labeled as Milwaukee’s Swiss Army Knife over the years, a title that he has consistently lived up to. Whether it be with his electrifying shooting, robust defense, or his stellar level of versatility, Connaughton does so much for this basketball team on both sides of the floor. Losing him would be a devastating blow for the Bucks, and hopefully they understand this as the guard will likely decline his player option.
Although the Bucks retaining Connaughton will not be easy, it seems likely that he will return just because of how important he is to this team. The front office would be foolish to let him walk, and although one could have said the same about P.J. Tucker last year, Connaughton has been with this organization far longer. Connaughton also said in an interview with SB Nation’s Michael Pina last year that he wanted to continue building something in Milwaukee for the long haul. As long as that line of thinking remains unchanged, Connaughton seemingly wants to stay.