Pat Connaughton: 2 years, $3.4 million (Milwaukee Bucks)
Sources: Pat Connaughton is signing a two-year deal with the Bucks worth slightly more than his minimum salary in both seasons -- with the first year guaranteed. He will provide wing depth for Milwaukee. https://t.co/IegtdSc7Lp
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 27, 2018
My guess is that Pat Connaughton is getting the $1,641,000 that the Milwaukee Bucks have left of their Non-Taxpayer MLE. That is a touch more than his minimum of $1,567,000 as a three-year veteran.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 27, 2018
As far as third string roster moves are concerned, adding Pat Connaughton is a pretty great maneuver for a Milwaukee Bucks team that desperately needs to open up driving lanes for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Luckily, Connaughton’s 35.2 percent shooting from downtown last year should help a bit in that regard.
Though he struggled to find his way through his first two years in Portland, Connaughton had a decent season for the Blazers last year, averaging 5.4 points in 18.0 minutes per game and suiting up for all 82. He won’t get a ton of burn, but he pads the Bucks’ wing depth, 3-point shooting and overall athleticism.
Since this deal is for just slightly above the minimum, it’s safe to say — as Keith Smith notes above — that Milwaukee is using the remainder of its mid-level exception, which would put him at $1.6 million for the upcoming season and $1.7 million for the following season if that second year becomes guaranteed.
Bourguet Grade: B+
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