Tuesday afternoon continues to be centered around the Milwaukee Bucks, with Pat Connaughton being traded to the Charlotte Hornets.
Chaos doesn't quite cut it when it comes to the NBA today. Damian Lillard being waived and Myles Turner signing with the Bucks sent shockwaves throughout the sport. This trade was necessary for the Milwaukee Bucks to get the money to pay Turner.
ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the deal involves Connaughton, a 2031 second-round pick, and a 2032 second-round pick in exchange for the Serbian veteran.
Connaughton leaves as a Wisconsin hero
It was inevitable that the Bucks would eventually move on from Connaughton, with his $9.4 million contract being the most movable of the players on the roster. The two second-round picks sweetened the deal to have the cap to pay Turner, as Micic is expected to return to Europe. Reports suggest he is expected to give back a significant amount of guaranteed money.
Connaughton had a great seven seasons with the Bucks, being a key part of the 2021 championship-winning team. Three double-digit point performances in the NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns were integral to the Bucks winning it all. Even in recent seasons, as his playing time has decreased, he has continued to be a big part of the locker room and help the team in any way possible.
We can't forget the final regular season game of the 2024-25 season when he made his only start of the season against the Detroit Pistons, with him taking over the game for a career-high 43 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists with two steals.
In 2020, he represented the Bucks in the Dunk Contest at All-Star Weekend. Connaughton brought out Milwaukee Brewers star Christian Yelich to aid with a dunk, with the Bucks player wearing a Woody Harrelson outfit in tribute to the iconic White Men Can't Jump movie.
This move is, of course, integral to the Bucks having the cap room to bring in Turner, so it had to be done. The front office would have liked to hold on to one of the second-round picks, but if it got the deal done, then that is a sacrifice that needs to be made.
A chaotic day so far may get wilder, with the Milwaukee Bucks still holding their 2031 first-round pick and some movable contracts.
For now, it is time to say goodbye to Planet Pat and thank him for all he did with the Bucks. There is no doubt that he will be getting a video tribute when the Hornets are in town.