Pat Connaughton Reportedly Exercises $9.4M Bucks Contract Option for 2025-26 Season

Pat Connaughton is not going anywhere.

Shams Charania of ESPN reported that the Milwaukee Bucks guard had exercised his $9.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season.

This means he will not hit unrestricted free agency until after the 2025-26 season.

Connaughton averaged 5.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 41 games for the Bucks in 2024-25. He was on the team's 2020-21 championship roster and has been with the franchise since 2018-19.

The Bucks could be in a transitional state this summer if they decide to move on from star Giannis Antetokounmpo. The team finished 48-34 but fell in the first round to the Indiana Pacers. While they could reload with Antetokounmpo, moving him for assets and embracing a rebuild could be a move toward building a sustainable future.

With Antetokounmpo or without him, Connaughton will be around for this next Bucks season.