Bucks rumor: Antetokounmpo teammates prepare to accept $9.4 million contract layoff decision

Bucks rumor: Giannis Antetokounmpo teammates are preparing to accept a $9.4 million contract layoff decision

An old Bucks teammate of Giannis Antetokounmpo will make a key decision on his contract in the offseason. After another miserable defeat to the Indiana Pacers in the playoffs, the Milwaukee Bucks are at a crossroads this offseason, with everyone focusing on where Giannis Antetokounmpo is heading.

Given the Bucks' roster and asset status, there are speculations that Antetokounmpo may file a deal in the offseason, but no formal application has been filed yet. Nevertheless, the Bucks have no trading assets after trading Damian Lillard, who will miss most or all of next season due to a torn Achilles tendon.

Although the situation for the two-time NBA MVP winners has been resolved, the Bucks are still working to determine the roster arrangements for other players next season.

backup guard Pat Connaughton has contributed to the Bucks in past playoff series, and he has the option of a player to make decisions during the offseason. According to Jack Fischer of Stan Tip, he will choose this option.

"Bucks guard Pat Connaughton will soon activate his $9.4 million player option next season," Fischer wrote. "Connaughton has to do this by June 24."

Connaughton has played for the Milwaukee Bucks since 2018, but his role in the team has been shrinking over the past few years. Last season, the Notre Dame player played only 41 games for the Bucks, averaging less than 15 minutes of playing time.

After selecting this option, Connaughton, as the expiration contract for the Bucks to improve their strength this season, will naturally become a bargaining chip for trading. While the Bucks don’t have many players to pair with Connaughton in a potential trade, trading him to other teams may give them a key rotation player.

Of course, this will only be a decisive factor if the Bucks still have Antetokounmpo and are the championship team. With the addition of this former Finals MVP, the Bucks always have the potential to enter the playoffs and cause a sensation. However, if he leaves, the Bucks could face a long period of reconstruction.