Three Bucks Players Who Benefit the Most From Eventful 2026 Offseason

The Milwaukee Bucks enter the 2026-27 season with a different roster, a new coach and a question they have not faced in more than a decade: Who will define the team after Giannis Antetokounmpo?

Milwaukee traded Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat in a deal that brought back Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakučionis, draft pick Nate Ament and future draft assets.

With Taylor Jenkins as the Bucks' new head coach, those moves have changed both the rotation and the opportunities available within it. 

So here are three players who stand to gain the most from that transition.

Rollins no longer has to build his role around Antetokounmpo’s presence. That gives the guard a chance to show more of his decision-making and scoring ability in a backcourt that also includes Herro.

The opportunity comes with competition. Herro can handle the ball, while Milwaukee has other guards who will want minutes. Rollins’ path to a larger role depends on how well he organizes the offense and defends alongside a high-volume scorer.

If Jenkins wants to use Herro off the ball at times, Rollins could become particularly valuable. The Bucks will need someone capable of initiating possessions without making every trip down the floor depend on one player.

Jaquez arrives with a chance to claim a prominent forward role. Milwaukee needs players who can connect its guards and big men, create a shot when a possession stalls and bring a physical presence on the wing.

His ability to operate without dominating the ball could help him fit beside Herro and Rollins. He can also provide another option for the Bucks when they need offense from somewhere other than the backcourt.

A bigger opportunity does not guarantee a permanent starting job. Jaquez will have to earn it in a new system. But the offseason created room for him to become a central part of Milwaukee’s next core.

Ware may have the most interesting frontcourt opportunity of the three. The Bucks already have Myles Turner, so Ware’s role will depend partly on how Jenkins uses his two centers.

Playing behind Turner could give Ware time to develop. Using them together in selected lineups could give Milwaukee unusual size and rim protection. Either way, Ware has an opening to prove he belongs in the team’s long-term plans.

The Bucks acquired several young players, and all will need time to establish their roles. Rollins, Jaquez and Ware have different paths, but the same immediate opportunity: They can help determine what Milwaukee looks like after its biggest offseason change.