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Milwaukee Bucks Burn 2 Second-Round Picks in Bizarre Pat Connaughton Trade That Nets Benched Phoenix PG 3 Apr 13, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton (24) drives to the basket against Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) in the first half at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Milwaukee Bucks Burn 2 Second-Round Picks in Bizarre Pat Connaughton Trade That Nets Benched Phoenix PG

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By John Sbisa | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 1:47 PM ET

Pat Connaughton’s time with the Milwaukee Bucks was nearing its end, one way or another. It came as no surprise when he exercised his $9.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season. Having fallen out of the rotation, the 10-year veteran isn’t worth anywhere near that. A prime candidate for a salary dump, Connaughton is finally headed out of Milwaukee in a trade with Phoenix. To get rid of him, though, the Bucks sacrificed valuable draft capital for not much in return. They’re off Connaughton now, but at what cost?

Micic Is Underrated as Backup PG Option for Milwaukee Bucks – That Isn’t the Problem

The deal is fairly straight forward, according to reported details. Connaughton goes to Phoenix, alongside Milwaukee’s 2031 and 2032 second-round picks. The Bucks get ostracized point guard Vasilije Micic, who rode the Suns bench after being traded from Charlotte.

Micic struggled through an abysmal 2024-25 season. His 6.6 points per game came on just 34.8% shooting, mostly in Charlotte. Over in Phoenix, he played 21 minutes total.

Milwaukee Bucks Free Agency, Brook Lopez: Apr 3, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) and guard Pat Connaughton (24) wait to enter the game in the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Considering the rest of his limited NBA track record, however, he isn’t a bad asset in himself. As a rookie two years ago, the Serbian native averaged 10.8 points and 6.2 assists in 30 games as a Hornet. He didn’t see much playing time in Oklahoma City, where he was stationed to begin the season.

He was also much more efficient from the field (43.7 FG%). Despite his struggles last year, he did improve his three-point shooting, which rose to 36%. Scoring isn’t really his game; he’s more of a Ricky Rubio type. The Bucks need a point-guard, and Micic could slide into a reserve role behind Kevin Porter Jr., re-signed on Monday.

If No Bigger Move Follows, Shredding Quality Draft Picks in Rash Salary Dump Is Inexcusable

The real issue with the transaction is the outgoing picks. Yes, they’re only second-rounders, but those selections could fall in the low to mid-30s depending on how bad the Bucks then. Who knows what the franchise will look like in six years? Lets face it: that far down the road, Giannis Antetokounmpo may be long gone.

Moreover, Connaughton is on an expiring contract. While carrying his salary on the bench is hardly desirable, it isn’t as though he’s a contractual albatross. Micic is entering the final year of his rookie deal. He is set to make $8.1 million in 2025-26. He provided zilch for the Suns. Even in a salary dump, two good second-rounders seems a high price to pay considering both players involved.

The Bucks have been wheeling and dealing so far in free agency, re-signing Gary Trent Jr., Kevin Porter Jr., Bobby Portis, Taurean Prince and Jericho Sims. In a cannonball splash, they signed Myles Turner off the Pacers (and waived Damian Lillard). They filled out roster depth by bringing in Orlando’s Gary Harris.

Hopefully the Connaughton move is an augur of things to come, clearing further cap space for another signing this summer. Otherwise, there’s simply no excuse.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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