NBA analyst adores Hornets' Pat Connaughton trade

The move for Pat Connaughton caught the praise of one NBA insider.

Mar 30, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton (24) during the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

The Charlotte Hornets pulled off another trade earlier this week by trading Vasilije Micic to the Milwaukee Bucks for Pat Connaughton and two second-round picks. Micic is likely headed back overseas to play, and the Hornets managed to get a player and some assets for him.

This was, in one NBA insider's opinion, a masterclass by Jeff Peterson and a bit of a disaster by Jon Horst. Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey gave the Bucks a D+ for the trade, but the Hornets received a sterling A grade.

Should Micic stay in the NBA, he could be useful for Milwaukee. "They need a playmaker in the wake of Damian Lillard's release, and Vasilije Micić makes just over $1 million less than Pat Connaughton in 2025-26, when both are on expiring deals. However, Micić has struggled mightily to produce in the NBA," Bailey said.

But last year, Micic averaged just 6.6 points and shot 34.8% from the field in 41 games. His "creative passing ability" could work for a team that just lost its point guard, and he may enjoy better shooting with better spacing and defensive attention focused on Giannis Antetokounmpo, but it's still "surprising" to see a 31-year-old with a career box plus/minus of -5.6 go for two second-rounders, Bailey added.

"The other side of the deal isn't nearly as difficult to explain. 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," the insider concluded. The Hornets got assets, the better player, and an expiring contract back for a player who probably wasn't ever going to suit up for them anyway.

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