The Bucks enter their first season without Giannis Antetokounmpo, facing major questions about their identity, direction and new franchise centerpiece.
The Milwaukee Bucks will enter the 2026-27 season without Giannis Antetokounmpo for the first time in more than a decade.
Milwaukee traded Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat in July, officially ending the greatest era in franchise history. The Bucks received Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakučionis, rookie Nate Ament and a collection of draft capital.
The move gave Milwaukee several intriguing players and greater long-term flexibility. It did not provide an obvious replacement for a two-time MVP who led the franchise to the 2021 NBA championship.
Feb 24, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Miami Heat guardTylerHerro(14) looks for a shot against MilwaukeeBucksforward Kyle Kuzma (18) and center Jericho Sims (00) in the second quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn ImagesHere are the three biggest questions facing the Bucks as they begin their next chapter.
Can Tyler Herro become the franchise’s leading player?
Herro will have the largest offensive role of his career after returning to his home state.
The former All-Star averaged at least 20 points in five consecutive seasons with Miami and has shown he can create shots from all three levels. Milwaukee will need more than scoring, however. Herro must organize the offense, involve younger teammates and produce efficiently while receiving increased defensive attention.
The Bucks have other capable scorers, including Kyle Kuzma and Myles Turner, but neither projects as the central offensive engine. Herro will receive the first opportunity to fill that position.
His health will also be significant after he underwent a minor foot procedure following last season.
How quickly can the young core develop?
Milwaukee’s return for Antetokounmpo included several players who could become long-term building blocks.
Ware brings rim protection, rebounding and shooting potential at center. Jaquez is a physical, versatile forward with playoff experience, while Jakučionis gives Milwaukee another young ballhandler. The Bucks also selected Brayden Burries and Ament in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft.
Feb 24, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Miami Heat guardTylerHerro(14) looks for a shot against MilwaukeeBucksguard Ryan Rollins (13) in the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn ImagesThose players give the organization options, but development is rarely linear. Milwaukee must determine which prospects can become starters and which veterans complement them.
Balancing development with competitive expectations will be one of new coach Taylor Jenkins’ most difficult assignments.
What does success look like this season?
Milwaukee finished 32-50 and missed the playoffs last season, even with Antetokounmpo appearing in 36 games. That makes an immediate postseason return far from guaranteed.
Mar 7, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward KyleKuzma(18) drives to the basket against the Utah Jazz in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn ImagesThe Bucks have enough established talent to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference. Herro, Turner and Kuzma provide experience, while AJ Green is coming off a season in which he set a franchise record with 232 made 3-pointers.
Still, chasing the final play-in position should not come at the expense of evaluating the young roster. The organization must decide whether it wants to prioritize immediate results or accept another transitional season while protecting its future assets.
The Bucks no longer enter a season with championship expectations attached to Antetokounmpo. Their challenge now is establishing a new identity without rushing a rebuild that could require patience.
