After some deliberation, Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton will exercise his player option for the upcoming season. He is now set to make $5.7 million for the 2022-23 NBA season. While he debated opting out and signing a long-term deal with the Bucks ultimately he decided to opt into the year. A long-term deal or extension can always be reached between the two sides at a later date. Competing for another NBA Championship is the top goal for the organization and Connaughton at this time. Wednesday was the deadline for him to decide.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton is exercising his $5.7 million option to return for the 2022-2023 season, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2022
This past season with the Milwaukee Bucks, Pat Connaughton averaged 9.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. In the 2022 NBA Playoffs, he averaged 9.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game. He shot 45.8 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from three in the regular season while shooting 47.7 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from three in the playoffs. He was a valuable support player for the Bucks and was also a key member of the 2021 NBA Championship team.
Pat Connaughton will be extension-eligible with the Bucks next season for up to four years, projected at $59M.
More on upcoming extension candidates ?https://t.co/mHoznCjqke https://t.co/2AQrc0UbKM
— Yossi Gozlan (@YossiGozlan) June 22, 2022
While more money this season was likely possible it seems that Pat Connaughton will look to get his long-term deal with the team next season. The Milwaukee Bucks want to win another NBA Championship with their current core and Connaughton is a part of that core. With him opting in the Bucks can focus on other things that will keep them contending in the Eastern Conference next season and beyond.
