Pat Connaughton Expected to Exercise $9.4M Bucks Player Option

Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton is expected to exercise his $9.4 million player option for the 2025-26 NBA season, securing his return to the team for an eighth year. Despite a reduced role last season, where he averaged 5.3 points and 2.7 rebounds in 14.7 minutes over 41 games, Connaughton's decision provides the Bucks with an expiring contract that could be valuable in potential trades. Connaughton has been a key contributor since joining Milwaukee in 2018, highlighted by his strong performance in the 2021 NBA Finals. His decision to opt in aligns with expectations, as he is unlikely to find a comparable salary on the open market. The 2025-26 season will be the final year of his three-year, $28 million contract extension signed in 2022, after which he will become a free agent. This move offers Connaughton a chance to rebound before hitting free agency next offseason.