Milwaukee Bucks anticipate Pat Connaughton to activate $9.4M contract option in free agency
Pat Connaughton, the 32-year-old baller, is on track to codify his $9.42 million player option for the 2025-26 NBA season with the Milwaukee Bucks, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. This decision, expectedly, won't leave the Bucks' roster unscathed, given Connaughton's predicted return, and his potential departure as an unrestricted free agent following the next season, if he declines the option.
With careful consideration, Connaughton has until June 24 to officially commit. If he fails to do so, he'll hit the open market as a free agent this offseason.
Prior to joining the Bucks in 2018-19, the 6-foot-5 guard spent his initial three seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers. Since his transition to Milwaukee, Connaughton has etched his name as a vital off-the-bench contributor, averaging 6.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 21.6 minutes per contest across 440 regular-season games (66 starts). Impressively, he's managed to maintain a commendable shooting average of 44.1% from the field and 35.5% from 3-point range.
During the Bucks' 2021 championship run against the Phoenix Suns, Connaughton's impact was palpable, with notable averages of 9.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in the NBA Finals. However, his role with the Bucks has appeared to diminish since inking a three-year, $28.5 million extension in 2022.
In last season's 41 games played, he started just once, averaging a modest 5.3 points and 14.7 minutes per contest, while shooting 46.9% from the floor and 32.1% from deep. Despite a subpar statistical year, he notched a career-high 43 points in the regular-season-finale overtime win against the Detroit Pistons on April 13.
The Bucks could stand to lose a significant player if they opt to let Brook Lopez leave, as it would afford them a $23 million luxury tax discount and a $41 million gap below the second apron. However, losing Lopez, a 17-year veteran, may necessitate adjusting their frontcourt depth, a loss they might not be prepared to stomach.
The Bucks' financial predicament becomes even more intricate with Bobby Portis and Kevin Porter Jr. holding options in their contracts. Both players have until June 29 to make their decisions. If Milwaukee decides to retain Lopez, it risks becoming a luxury tax team for a sixth consecutive season, a reality it's been grappling with since 2019-20, having shelled out over $220 million in tax penalties since then, as per ESPN's Bobby Marks. Nonetheless, Connaughton's decision to exercise his option seems to have already been made, paving the way for further financial maneuvering for the Bucks.
[1] - https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/36524618/pat-connaughton-to-exercise-2025-26-option-return-milwaukee-bucks[2] - https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/pat-connaughton-expected-to-opt-into-9-4m-in-2025-26-season-per-report/[3] - https://www.thehoopsherald.com/news/bucks-news/connaughton-expected-to-opt-into-contract-for-2025-26-season-against-trade-wish/
- Pat Connaughton's decision to exercise his $9.42 million player option for the 2025-26 NBA season, as reported, is significant news in the NBA, especially for the Milwaukee Bucks, who will have to make roster adjustments to accommodate his return.
- Connaughton's strong performance in the NBA, particularly his average of 6.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, has solidified his role as a valuable off-the-bench player for the Bucks, and his potential return in the 2025-26 season could further boost the team's performance in basketball sports.
- The Bucks' financial situation is becoming more complex, with not only Pat Connaughton's decision, but also the options held by Bobby Portis and Kevin Porter Jr., adding to their considerations. The team's possible loss of Brook Lopez could afford them a significant luxury tax discount, but it might also impact their frontcourt depth.
- Connaughton's potential departure as an unrestricted free agent after the 2025-26 season, if he declines his player option, has sent ripples through NBA rumors, making him a key player to watch in the upcoming offseason.
