The Milwaukee Bucks are a season-best seven games over .500 and currently hold the fourth seed in the NBA Eastern Conference with a record of 24-17. Of course, expectations surrounding the team were high going into the season, which is why their 2-8 start (which included a six-game losing streak) was so disappointing.
That poor start had many fans and analysts wondering when star players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard would request a trade. Of course, that did not happen and Milwaukee is 22-9 since that horrid start.
Despite their improved level of play, the team knows that they are not perfect. As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Bucks are limited in what they can do because of their high payroll, which places them above the second apron of the NBA luxury tax.
However, there is one trade they can make that would fix their salary cap situation, but they have not been able to find a suitor.
The Milwaukee Bucks Have Been Trying to Trade Pat Connaughton for Months
Over the past several weeks, multiple Bucks players have been named in possible trade scenarios. These players, Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, and Bobby Portis, however, seem to be in Milwaukee’s plans for the remainder of this season.
NBA insider Evan Sidery, though, has stated that the Bucks have been trying to offload Pat Connaughton for months:
“The Pistons, Raptors and Wizards are among the teams open to the idea of taking on Pat Connaughton’s contract for the right price. The Bucks have been actively attempting to trade Connaughton for months. Milwaukee would escape the second apron if they offloaded Connaughton.”
That price that Sidery refers to is likely draft pick compensation. Milwaukee cannot trade any of their first round picks unless it is their 2031 pick, and many of their second round picks have already been dealt (they sent five of them to the Phoenix Suns for Jae Crowder).
If the Bucks were able to offload Connaughton and his $9.4 million salary, they could potentially do more trades. However, it is more likely that they want to trade him simply to get under the second apron, which would save the organization more money when the luxury tax bill comes from the NBA.
Pat Connaughton Has Become an Afterthought on the Milwaukee Bucks
After starting out the season as a key part of the Bucks’ rotation, Connaughton has been relegated to the end of the bench. He rarely sees the floor unless someone is injured or the game has entered garbage time.
So far this season, Connaughton has averages of 4.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. He is shooting just 40/29/75 from the floor, well below what he has done in past seasons.
His best season with Milwaukee was in 2021-22 when he averaged 9.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 46/40/83.
More Milwaukee Bucks News from Wisconsin Sports Heroics
- Bucks Stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard Draw Massive Praise from 76ers Head Coach
- “The Fit Does Make Sense;” Bucks Urged to Look to Division Rival for Potential Trade
- “There’s a lot of Chatter;” Bucks Linked to Phoenix Suns Star Ahead of Trade Deadline
- “It’s Like When You Meet a New Girl;” Bucks Forward Taurean Prince Talks About Team’s Improving Chemistry
- Damian Lillard Drops Huge Statement About Bucks After Reaching Historic Milestone
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