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A full guide to the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2022 offseason

By Jake Weinbach

HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 10: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks receives high fives from Pat Connaughton #24 of the Milwaukee Bucks and Bobby Portis #9 after a fast break dunk during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on December 10, 2021 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 10: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks receives high fives from Pat Connaughton #24 of the Milwaukee Bucks and Bobby Portis #9 after a fast break dunk during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on December 10, 2021 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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Milwaukee Bucks
Apr 1, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton (24) reacts after scoring a 3-point basket in the second quarter against LA Clippers at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

Guide to the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2022 offseason: Pat Connaughton’s player option

Another star in his role for the Milwaukee Bucks, Pat Connaughton will also have a player option for the 2022-23 season. Connaughton’s option is worth $5.7 million. Connaughton averaged a career-high 9.9 points per game and shot 39.5 percent from three-point territory this season. It was a career year for Connaughton, who was consistently efficient across the campaign and NBA Playoffs, for the most part.

He’s seemed to have found a home in Milwaukee after wrapping up his fourth season with the organization. He spent his first three years in the league with Portland, but ever since arriving to the Bucks, he’s been a spark for the team each season.

Connaughton is an excellent three-point shooter, modern floor spacer, versatile and switchable defender, and an outstanding locker room presence. At 29 years old, the Notre Dame product is in the prime of his career right now.

With that being said, Connaughton could be looking to cash in this offseason, therefore declining his player option and entering unrestricted free agency with eyes set on a larger, more substantial contract. There’s no doubt that he deserves it, especially when you consider how essential his impact was this season and throughout Milwaukee’s 2021 championship run.

The Bucks hold Pat Connaughton’s bird rights and could sign him to a similar contract extension that Grayson Allen received. Connaughton would likely be worth around $8.5 million per year. Although, since Pat has become strongly attached to the organization and the city, it would not be a surprise if he took more of a team-friendly deal to stay longer with the Bucks.

If the athletic role player declines his $5.7 million option this offseason, which he’s expected to do, the Milwaukee Bucks should do everything they can to retain him, even if it means diving more into the luxury tax. Similar to Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton is a key part of this organization on and off the court and maintaining his services will be another priority.

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