The Bucks have some questions to answer this summer.
Milwaukee needs a legitimate second star next to Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the clock is ticking on this franchise.
The Bucks finished 32-50 this season and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
They ranked 27th in defensive rating at 119.3 and 29th in scoring at 110.6 points per game.
That is a roster that fell apart on both ends.
What Went Wrong
Damian Lillard tore his Achilles during the 2025 playoffs and was waived over the summer, which left a massive hole in the backcourt that the front office never filled properly.
Milwaukee brought in Kevin Porter Jr., Cole Anthony, and Gary Harris to patch things together, but none of those moves replaced what Lillard brought as a closer and a lead playmaker.
Giannis Antetokounmpo played a career-low 36 games while still putting up 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists.
When he was on the floor, he was still one of the most dominant players alive.
But the roster around him couldn't survive without him for even a few weeks, and a public standoff with the front office over his availability only made things worse.
Ryan Rollins was a bright spot, averaging 17.3 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.6 rebounds in 74 games while shooting 40.6 percent from three.
He earned real Most Improved Player buzz and proved he belongs long term.
But Rollins is a complementary guard who thrives when there is another creator next to him.
He is not the answer as a number two on a title team.
The Giannis Factor
Everything runs through Giannis this summer.
He has a player option for 2027-28 and becomes eligible for a four-year extension starting October 1.
If he won't commit, Milwaukee has to trade him.
League insiders believe a trade is more likely than not, with the Knicks, Warriors, and Heat mentioned most often.
The Bucks already fired Doc Rivers and hired Taylor Jenkins, which is a step forward.
But a coaching change alone won't convince a former MVP to stay when the roster looks like this.
What the Bucks need to do
The most aggressive path is a trade for someone like Ja Morant.
Memphis reportedly discussed a deal with Milwaukee at the deadline, and the Grizzlies wanted Rollins included.
The Bucks said no at the time, but that calculation could shift if it means keeping Giannis.
The draft is another option.
Milwaukee holds the 10th pick and has been linked to guard prospects who could develop into starters.
But "eventually" is not a timeline this franchise can afford with Giannis one year from free agency.
Milwaukee does not need another rotation piece or a solid veteran signing.
They need someone who can share the scoring load with Giannis, defend at a high level, and make this team look like a playoff roster again.
Without that, Jenkins is inheriting a rebuild whether the Bucks call it one or not.