5 Milwaukee Bucks that could be traded this season
By Tyler Watts
2. Pat Connaughton
The Bucks would have to match salary in any trade, and the three players mentioned so far all have a salary under $2.6 million for this season. Milwaukee must bring some money to the table to acquire an upgrade. Connaughton’s $9.4 million makes the most sense given his current role.
The 6’5 wing averages 5.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 23.6 minutes per game coming off the bench in Milwaukee. His playing time is the same, but Connaughton’s production has dropped slightly after the addition of Damian Lillard. He rates as a replacement-level player so far and is well below league average by win shares per 48 minutes.
Bucks fans know what to expect from Pat Connaughton. He is in his sixth season in Milwaukee, and the 30-year-old is what he is at this point. Connaughton will be in their playoff rotation if he is not traded, but will continue to come off the bench and play 20 to 25 minutes each night.
The Milwaukee Bucks are unlikely to trade Bobby Portis. Jae Crowder is injured, and Malik Beasley is ahead of Pat Connaughton in the rotation. The 6’5 wing will be used as a salary-matcher if the front office can find an upgrade. If they can get someone on a massive contract, it could be a struggling All-Star who gets traded out of Cream City.