Milwaukee Bucks season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction

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.