The Milwaukee Bucks begin their first season without Giannis Antetokounmpo still dealing with the fallout of their drawn-out separation.
The franchise could match or improve upon last year's record thanks to the players it gained by trading Antetokounmpo this offseason and eliminating the distraction his uncertain future caused during the 2025-26 season. But the next era for the Bucks remains largely undefined in the immediate aftermath of Antetokounmpo's departure and the team's current salary cap situation suggests more moves are coming in this rebuild.
Former Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins, hired to replace Doc Rivers this offseason, will initially be tasked with molding remnants of last year's roster that produced a disastrous record
with a batch of newcomers from Miami and two lottery picks. Veterans Tyler Herro, Myles Turner, Kyle Kuzma and Caris LeVert will provide support as rookies Brayden Burries and Nate Ament and several former Heat first-round picks find their footing together.
This roster, though, is full of expiring deals, tradeable contracts and no player capable of replacing Antetokounmpo in terms of talent or draw. Determining who should be part of Milwaukee's future, and getting in position for another high draft pick, could matter more than the win-loss record this season.
Here's a breakdown of the Milwaukee Bucks' offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:
Milwaukee Bucks offseason review
- Record last season: 32-50 (11th in Eastern Conference)
- Playoff finish: Did not qualify
- Coach: Taylor Jenkins (1st season)
- 2026-27 title odds: +75000 (per BetMGM)
- Projected record: 17-65
- Offseason grade: B-
Key roster additions
- G Tyler Herro (trade)
- G Kasparas Jakucionis (trade)
- G Caris LeVert (trade)
- G Brayden Burries (No. 10 pick in 2026 NBA Draft)
- F Nate Ament (No. 13 pick in 2026 NBA Draft)
- F Jaime Jaquez (trade)
- F Kel'el Ware (trade)
- F Bogoljub Markovic (No. 47 pick in 2025 NBA Draft)
- F Malique Lewis (No. 60 pick in 2026 NBA Draft)
Key roster losses
- F Giannis Antetokounmpo (trade)
- F Bobby Portis (trade)
- F Taurean Prince (trade)
- G Gary Harris (trade)
Biggest question entering training camp
Is Tyler Herro part of the Bucks' long-term plans?
- Herro was the most accomplished player included in the Antetokounmpo trade, with his $33 million salary needed to make the deal work financially. The 26-year-old is still a productive scorer and playmaker, but durability concerns and defensive shortcomings in recent seasons have complicated his long-term value. Herro is entering the final year of his contract and Milwaukee's front office will soon be faced with deciding whether to make Herro a core piece or trade him for more assets to use in its rebuild.
Projected starting lineup and rotation
Starters
- G Ryan Rollins
- G Tyler Herro
- F Jaime Jaquez, Jr.
- F Kyle Kuzma
- C Myles Turner
Rotation players
- G Kevin Porter Jr.
- G Brayden Burries
- G A.J. Green
- G Gary Trent Jr.
- F Ousmane Dieng
- F Nate Ament
- F/C Kel'el Ware
What to expect in 2026-27 season
Milwaukee knew life after Antetokounmpo would be difficult, and this season could be the most painful part of the transition. The Bucks have several veterans who don't fit their timeline and a collection of young players still finding their way in the NBA. This is a candidate to be one of the worst teams in the NBA this season, especially if Milwaukee's management embraces a full-on youth movement and sells off veterans for more assets at the trade deadline.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Milwaukee Bucks season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction
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