Milwaukee Bucks are now left with just two players from their 2021 title winning team after they did not re-sign Pat Connaughton and Brook Lopez. The only ones remaining are Bobby Portis and Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Pat Connaughton, Milwaukee Bucks
Apr 13, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Lindy Waters III (43) and Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton (24) battle for possession of the ball in overtime at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Connaughton arrived to the team in 2018 and etched his value to the team in an instant. He hit some of the big shots the team needed in finals four years ago against the Phoenix Suns.
He was one of the beloved players in the team but fans understand that this move has to be made. For his part, Connaughton is nothing but grateful for his time with the team.
He wrote on IG:
“The Bucks took a chance on me, a 2nd round draft pick who was recently waived and told to go back to baseball. Over the last 7 years, a lot of my life’s best moments have happened, on and off the court… Words can’t articulate what these years have meant to me, and pictures can’t capture all the moments… but that’s okay because this isnt a goodbye, it’s a see you around.”
He also thanked the people around him for a memorable tenure.
“Don’t be sad that it’s over, be happy that it happened.”
USATSI 16418917
Jul 17, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton (24) celebrates with Milwaukee Bucks center Bobby Portis (9) against the Phoenix Suns in the first half during game five of the 2021 NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Bobby Portis also showed him appreciation on the comment section.
“I love you bro!” he wrote.
Connaughton scored 43 points in his last game for Milwaukee.
Pat Connaughton seen as a great pick up by the Hornets
Connaughton was traded by the Bucks in exchange for 31-year-old point guard Vasilije Micić and two round picks.
Some Bucks fans and analysts were not sold on this move as it did not fill the gap in their point guard spot. They are also not convinced with Micić’s age.
Charlotte Hornets coach Charles Lee
Apr 11, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee looks on during the first half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Hornets, however, are getting good grades for this move.
Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey gave Charlotte an A grade for this.
“Connaughton doesn’t add any long-term money or obligations to the rebuilding Hornets’ books. Turning Micić into multiple second-round picks feels like a coup,” he wrote.
It remains to be seen if PatC will get minutes with the rebuilding team although he will do okay if not as he is already busy building a $550 million real estate empire.
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