What to make of Pat Connaughton’s departure from the Milwaukee Bucks
Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski discusses the departure of longtime Milwaukee Bucks staple Pat Connaughton
Professional soccer player Ryan Gareis posted a heartfelt tribute to her teammate in life, Pat Connaughton, on Instagram over the weekend. Less than a week ago, it was announced that the Milwaukee Bucks stalwart was being traded to the Charlotte Hornets.
“7 unforgettable years with the Bucks — where you gave your all to this team and this city,” said Gareis, who’s in her fourth season with the Houston Dash.
She shouted out some of Connaughton’s biggest on-court accomplishments with Milwaukee, including becoming an NBA champ. He was a key contributor on the 2020-21 team, which won the city’s first NBA title in 50 years.
Gareis highlighted how Connaughton competed in the 2020 NBA Slam Dunk Contest — in which he narrowly missed the finals — and hit career highs.
Connaughton played in 440 regular-season games with the Bucks and 73 more in the playoffs. He averaged 6.8 points and 4.0 rebounds during his tenure. He shot 38% from three-point range in postseason games.
But, Connaughton’s legacy in Milwaukee “reaches far beyond the hardwood,” Gareis said.
“You’ve poured into this community day in and day out,” she said, citing how the Pat Connaughton Foundation has put more than $3 million into refurbishing or donating new Connaughton Courts to schools and organizations, as well as other ways the basketball player has shown up for the community.
Connaughton is also behind Milwaukee-based commercial development firm Three Leaf Partners LLC.
“In these years, you grew not only as an elite athlete, a business owner, and the leader of a foundation — but also into your greatest role yet: becoming a father,” Gareis wrote. “Watching you balance it all for us has been inspiring and incredible.”
Connaughton and Gareis hard-launched their relationship on social media in summer 2023. In 2024, the couple got engaged and welcomed their first child together, son Crew.
“#24, you are the definition of a class act. And I have no doubt the next chapter will be filled with even more greatness. We love you!!!” Gareis concluded.
The post featured 15 photos, including candid shots of Connaughton as a Buck, several of or with his little one, and an adorable pic of the family of three.
“Wow 🩵 I love you🤞” Connaughton commented on the post.
Connaughton picked up his $9.4 million player option before the 2025 NBA Draft and had been involved in trade talks since last February.Â
The Bucks agreed to trade Connaughton, as well as their 2031 and 2032 second-round draft picks, to the Hornets for veteran point guard Vasilije Micić.