Pat Connaughton was never short on options. A multi-sport standout in high school and college, he had the talent to go pro in both basketball and baseball. But when the time came to choose, he took an unconventional path—one that required turning down a more immediate payday on the diamond to chase his NBA dreams.

It wasn’t an easy decision. A high-ranking MLB executive estimated that Connaughton cost himself nearly $1 million by returning to Notre Dame for his senior basketball season instead of going all-in on baseball. Yet, as his NBA career unfolded, it became clear he had made the right call. Not only did he carve out a role in the league, but he also became an NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021.

From a promising two-sport athlete to a key piece on a title-winning team, Connaughton’s journey has been anything but ordinary. But how much has basketball paid off for him? Let’s break down his contracts, salary, and financial moves over the years.

How much does Pat Connaughton get paid with the Bucks? Exploring his contract with Milwaukee

On August 1, 2018, Pat Connaughton signed with the Milwaukee Bucks after Portland declined to extend his qualifying offer. In hindsight, it was all meant to be. The now-32-year-old guard signed a two-year deal worth $3.36 million when most didn’t know his name beyond a few notable plays. He entered a field where stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo ruled the team. But, as the Bucks grew into a championship contender, Connaughton turned into an important piece of the team.

“He gets some great contests even when he doesn’t block shots. He bothers shooters, and he’s really great at chasing and staying with guys. He mixes in making some threes and he’s going to the basket and finishing. He and I were laughing that he’s turned into our best power forward with a jump hook,” the then-coach of Milwaukee, Mike Budenholzer said.

The story took a major turn in the summer of 2021. The team was deep into their playoff run, and Antetokounmpo’s heroics naturally dominated all the headlines. Although Connaughton didn’t put up 50-point games like the ‘Greek Freak,’ Pat’s 44.1 three-point percentage during the Finals showed that when it matters, he always steps up. Clearly, the 3-year $16 million contract he signed in November 2020 was well worth it!

Then came the next chapter. In June 2022, Connaughton could’ve opted for free agency, but instead, he chose to stay with the team that had become his second home. He opted into his $5.7 million player option, showing the Bucks that he wasn’t just in it for the payday—he was invested in the journey. But something big was on its way.

Within a month, he signed a three-year, $28.27 million extension, with an annual average salary of $9,423,869. The best part about this contract is that it will keep him with the team till the 2026-27 season, with one caveat—a player option next season.

Since the extension, his game has just grown bigger. For instance, against the Denver Nuggets, on January 25, 2023, he scored 19 points, but the highlight was his career-high 12 rebounds (made only once before on March 31, 2019 vs the Sixers). This set as a reminder that he can deliver more than what we expect. So, now that we have seen his contract with Milwaukee, let’s explore some other details of his career.

What is Pat Connaughton’s net worth? Does he have any brand deals?

Pat Connaughton’s net worth isn’t officially listed, but it’s clear he’s built a significant fortune. His real estate ventures have played a major role in his financial success. After being drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2014 and receiving a signing bonus of $428,000, Connaughton didn’t waste the opportunity. Instead of splurging, he invested in real estate near Notre Dame.

However, as he transitioned to the NBA, Connaughton continued to build on his investments. He co-founded Three Leaf Partners, a real estate firm focused on multi-family and mixed-use developments. Now, if you take a look at his Instagram, you will know how much this business means to him. However, through this firm, the hooper has accumulated a real estate portfolio that’s reportedly worth $550 million in just seven years. That’s huge!

Some of their notable projects include a $92 million development in Hartland, a $70 million project in West Allis, and a $17 million building near Downer Avenue in Milwaukee, adding a combined 569 apartments across these areas. We are not done, though! Just recently, Connaughton and his firm received approval for another $45 million development (153 apartments) in downtown Wauwatosa.

But, the best part about the real estate firm is that it takes a unique approach by prioritizing sustainability and community impact. This approach resonates with many, including his fellow professional athletes, with about half of Three Leaf Partners’ investors being athletes from the NBA, NFL, and MLB. Recognizing the financial struggles many retired athletes face, Connaughton has created a business model that helps others invest wisely, too.

As for brand deals, there’s no public record of major endorsements at the moment. But given Connaughton’s business acumen and profile, it wouldn’t be surprising if his real estate ventures and athletic success led to future partnerships. After all, his basketball coach at Notre Dame, Mike Brey, did say once, “He has a horseshoe up his a–.” 

And Pat, while agreeing that he is a fortunate kid, be it “by hard work or doing the right thing or having the right people around me,” knows it takes more than luck to turn a two-sport dilemma into an NBA career, a championship ring, and a real estate empire. Luck or strategy, Connaughton turned what could have been a million-dollar mistake into a multimillion-dollar empire.