Veteran shooting guard and small forward Pat Connaughton has officially exercised his $9.4 million player option for the upcoming 2025–2026 NBA season, as confirmed on Saturday, June 21 (U.S. time). The decision came just three days before the league’s deadline for players to declare their contract intentions.
The 2025–26 season marks the final year of Connaughton’s three-year, $28.5 million extension signed in the summer of 2022. With the option now activated, Connaughton will remain with the Milwaukee Bucks, though the move also makes him eligible for trade at any point during the upcoming season.
Potential Trade Interest Still Lingers
According to reports from the Journal Sentinel, league sources have confirmed that there was notable trade interest in Connaughton during the last NBA trade deadline. Although no deal materialized at the time, the 32-year-old wing remains a player to watch on the trade market due to his contract value, playoff experience, and versatility.
Despite being a key piece during Milwaukee’s 2021 championship run, Connaughton’s role has diminished significantly over time. Under head coach Doc Rivers, he was largely removed from the playoff rotation, appearing in just five games during the Bucks’ first-round exit against the Indiana Pacers, and logging only 13 total minutes across that series.
Diminished Role in 2024–25 Season
Connaughton’s 2024–25 ѕеаѕоn stats reflect a clear dесlіnе іn uѕаgе:
- 5.3 points per game
- 2.7 rebounds per game
- 1.7 assists per game
- Appeared in 41 games, starting just one
- Averaged 14.7 mіnutеѕ реr gаmе, the lowest іn hіѕ ѕеvеn-уеаr tеnurе with the Buсkѕ
- Shot just 32.1% from three-point range, marking his worst long-range accuracy since his rookie season in 2015–16
These numbers suggest that while he still offers value as a veteran presence and locker room leader, his on-court contributions have tapered off significantly.
A Career That Began in Portland
Pat Connaughton’s journey to the NBA started when he was selected in the second round of the 2015 NBA Draft by the Brooklyn Nets, who immediately traded him to the Portland Trail Blazers. During his three-year stint in Portland, he averaged:
- 3.7 points
- 1.6 rebounds
- 12.6 minutes per game
- Played in 155 games, starting six
His big break came in August 2018, when he signed with Milwaukee as a free agent. Since then, Connaughton hаѕ become a fаn favorite аnd a ѕtарlе оf thе Buсkѕ’ bеnсh unit. He played a pivotal role in helping Milwaukee win its first NBA title in 50 years during the 2020–2021 season.
In total, Connaughton has appeared in 595 NBA games, including 72 starts, with career averages of:
- 6.0 points
- 3.4 rebounds
- 1.4 assists
- 19.2 minutes per game
Bucks’ Roster Outlook for 2025–26
With Connaughton opting into the final year of his deal, the Milwaukee Bucks now have five players officially locked in for the 2025–26 season:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Damian Lillard
- Kyle Kuzma
- Tyler Smith
- Pat Connaughton
Meanwhile, Bobby Portis and Kevin Porter Jr. are the remaining players with pending player option decisions, which could further shape the team’s offseason moves and cap flexibility.
What’s Next for Connaughton and the Bucks?
By choosing to remain in Milwaukee, Connaughton ensures another season of familiarity and continuity. However, with the Bucks eager to rebound after a disappointing playoff run, and given the emergence of younger talent, his future with the franchise may hinge on trade possibilities or how his role evolves under Doc Rivers.
Regardless, Connaughton’s experience, professionalism, and championship pedigree still make him a valuable asset—whether in Milwaukee or potentially elsewhere if a trade opportunity arises.
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