Veteran guard Pat Connaughton is picking up his $9.4 million player option with the Milwaukee Bucks for the 2025-26 season. This latest move has several implications and opens up various options for the team moving forward.
Pat Connaughton becomes a trade asset (on an expiring contract)
Salary matching: Pat Connaughton's $9.4 million contract for 2025-26 now becomes an expiring deal. This is valuable in trade scenarios as it can be used for salary matching purposes to possibly acquire other players. Teams that are looking to shed salary in the future or to consolidate contracts might be interested in potentially taking on an expiring deal.
Limited value: With Connaughton's decreased playing time and production (5.3 points, 2.7 rebounds in 14.7 minutes per game last season, as well as a 32.1 3-point percentage), he most likely won't have significant trade value on his own. The Bucks would likely need to attach any draft assets (such as second-round picks) to sweeten the pot in any deal involving him to get a meaningful player in return.
The Milwaukee Bucks might look to trade Pat Connaughton to any team that is seeking to clear cap space for future free agent signings, or to take on a veteran wing for depth, especially if they are in a rebuilding phase, or looking for future flexibility.
Roster and salary cap situation
Over the cap/luxury tax: Even with Connaughton's option now being picked up, the Milwaukee Bucks are projected to be well over the salary cap and into the luxury tax for the 2025-26 season. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard's max contracts both account for a significant portion of the team's payroll.
Other player options: Bobby Portis ($13.4 million) and Kevin Porter Jr. ($2.55 million) both also have player options for 2025-26. Portis is generally expected to pick up his option, as he might not get a much higher annual salary on the open market, while Porter could decline his player option for a longer-term deal with the Milwaukee Bucks or hit the open market.
Strategic goals the Milwaukee Bucks should have
Roster retooling: With Damian Lillard expected to miss the majority of next season due to a torn Achilles suffered in the playoffs against the Indiana Pacers, the Bucks face a very challenging 2025-26 season. They will likely focus on retooling the roster around superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo in order to remain competitive.
Given the team's aging core and limited draft capital, the Bucks need to find ways to inject younger talent and improve their overall depth. This will be no easy task for general manager Jon Horst and ownership. Trading Connaughton might be a start in this direction, potentially bringing in a more impactful role player or a future draft pick, even if it's a later one.
In essence, Pat Connaughton's opt-in gives the Milwaukee Bucks a valuable, albeit somewhat limited, trade chip.
Their next steps will involve navigating their tight salary cap situation, addressing key free agents, and strategically using their limited resources to build a roster that can compete around Giannis, especially with Lillard's injury. Let's see what kind of magic Jon Horst is capable of performing. especially now with Connaughton's expiring salary on the table for trade.