Grade the trade pitch: Bucks land defensive menace in swap with LA Clippers

LA Clippers' POV

Pat Connaughton is a capable scorer who can knock down threes and drive to the rim while providing decently stout defense for his size and surprising rebounding ability thanks to a deceptive vertical, even at his age. He would add offensive firepower to the Clippers' bench and provide a scoring punch around Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.

At the same time, it's no secret that Connaughton hasn't been the same player for a few years now. Since the Milwaukee Bucks' championship victory in 2021, Pat Connaughton has experienced a noticeable decline in his playing time and overall impact on the team. He isn't getting any younger, plus he's also dealt with injuries in recent seasons, which may have impacted his performance and confidence.

Despite these challenges, Connaughton remains a valuable member of the Bucks' roster. His versatility, hustle, and 3-point shooting can still contribute to the team's success and can certainly contribute to another team willing to give him a change of scenery. Los Angeles can admittedly get better pieces than Connaughton, though, and it's tough to say whether or not Connaughton is even an upgrade over Dunn at this point in their respective careers.

The Clippers' decision to acquire Pat Connaughton and a second-round pick depends on their long-term goals. If they believe they can still contend for a championship with their existing core, Connaughton's offensive firepower and veteran leadership could be valuable assets. However, if they are rebuilding, the draft pick might be a more attractive option.

Acquiring a second-round pick gives the Clippers additional assets to use in future trades or draft selections. This could help them build for the future while remaining competitive in the present.

Grade: B-