Pat Connaughton has officially exercised his player option for the 2025-26 NBA season, valued at $9.4 million. This decision comes just days before the deadline and marks the final year of the three-year, $28.5 million extension he signed in 2022. Having been a crucial part of the Milwaukee Bucks' championship run in 2021, Connaughton has played a significant role off the bench since joining the team in 2018. However, his playing time has dwindled recently under coach Doc Rivers, as evidenced by his lowest games (41) and minutes (14.7) per game last season.

With Connaughton's option picked up, the Bucks now have the flexibility to trade him anytime, a possibility that reportedly garnered interest from other teams during the recent trade deadline. Despite a reduced role last season, Connaughton's previous contributions and experience could still make him an attractive asset in potential trades.