The Milwaukee Bucks are seeking greater financial flexibility which would allow them to improve their roster, and they are reportedly exploring trade options involving Pat Connaughton.
Connaughton is in the second year of his three-year, $28.3 million contract, with a player option in the final year, with the Milwaukee Bucks. The 32-year-old guard earns roughly $9.42 million this 2024-25 campaign, and shedding his salary helps the team since they’re $6.5 million over the second apron.
“If Milwaukee is able to shed Connaughton’s $9.42 million salary, the Bucks could avoid being a second apron luxury tax team and open up more flexibility to improve the team, which would include access to the mid-level exception, being able to trade multiple players in the same deal, etc,” Scotto wrote in his column.
“The Detroit Pistons have been the most logical destination for any potential salary dump across the league, given their $14 million in salary cap space,” he added.
Pat Connaughton with the Milwaukee Bucks this season
Pat Connaughton has seen his minutes dip with the Milwaukee Bucks this season. From averaging 22.1 minutes per game in 2023-24, the Notre Dame product now averages 15.7 minutes per game. Connaughton has norms of 4.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists on 40.2 percent shooting from the field in 21 regular season appearances.
Trading Connaughton to a team willing to take his salary can put the Milwaukee Bucks in a better position to pursue high-end talent. Milwaukee was recently linked with a potential move to get Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat.
