While other Eastern Conference teams, the Milwaukee Bucks have made some tiny moves this offseason. If they want to optimize their roster for their next fight in the ring, the front office may need to consider trading Pat Connaughton to get some assets in return.
After six seasons, it may be time for the Bucks to consider parting ways with Connaughton. While he has been a valuable asset during his time with the team, his recent performances asks questions about his future.
Connaughton, a nine-year veteranhe played a key role in the Bucks’ 2021 championship run, but his shooting efficiency dropped significantly. He struggled to keep his three-point shooting above 35%, averaging just 5.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists over 22.1 minutes last season. His overall shooting percentage was 43.5% from the floor and 34.5% from beyond the arc, which is below expectations for a player at his position.
Moreover, Connaughton’s rebounding and defensive effectiveness dropped. Once known for his rebounding ability, he is now less effective defensively and often struggles to make an impact in games. With a three-year, $28.3 million contract that includes a salary of $9.4 million this season, his financial commitment adds even more urgency to the situation.
Pat Connaughton of the Milwaukee Bucks is a potential trade candidate for the 2024-25 season
There’s no denying that Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard’s championship window is closing. If the Bucks want to make the most of their stars’ warm streak, they could consider trading Connaughton, he explained Cody Smith from Sports Illustrated.
“Trent is expected to fill that void as both the team’s starting scorer and younger players such as AJ Green and Andrew Jackson Jr. will offer more upside at this point in Connaughton’s career. Moreover, all three earn less than Connaughton’s projected salary of $9.4 million for the upcoming season. When younger and much cheaper players can potentially offer more upside, questions about a potential deal may arise.
Due to his decent salary, the Bucks could potentially get a solid rotation piece in exchange for Connaughton. However, this would certainly come at a cost, as Milwaukee would likely need to inject some seed capital to complete the deal. If a valuable player hits the trade market, it may be worth moving Connaughton for depth reasons,” Smith wrote.
The Bucks could benefit from focusing on younger talent like Andre Jackson Jr. and A. J. Green. Jackson, a 6-foot-8 defenseman, has shown potential and could develop with more playing time. Meanwhile, Green proved to be a reliable shooter, hitting 41.2% of his three-point attempts over two seasons.
Given Connaughton’s recent struggles, the Bucks should explore trade options or consider allocating his minutes to younger players in an effort to rejuvenate the lineup. If they can do that, they could recoup some assets or add a role player who can make a bigger impact than the veteran wing ever did.
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