Bucks to Retain GM Jon Horst as Coaching Search Expands; Updates on Jenkins, Trail Blazers and Bulls
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After a 32-50 campaign filled with injuries and trade speculation around Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks are moving ahead with general manager Jon Horst in place, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. Horst’s contract runs through 2027/28, and league sources said he has already reached out to multiple agents while launching the search to replace former head coach Doc Rivers, who resigned on Monday and hinted his NBA coaching career may be over.
Bucks cast wide net for next coach
Horst last led a full coaching search in 2018, which produced the hiring of Mike Budenholzer. Since then, Adrian Griffin (30-13 in 2023/24) was viewed as Antetokounmpo’s preferred choice, and Rivers was selected by ownership. Early candidates now include former Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins and Bucks lead assistant Darvin Ham, but Milwaukee is considering several additional names. Prospects are unlikely to know what the roster will look like until at least the summer, as Antetokounmpo’s future remains unsettled.
Jenkins draws league-wide interest
Fischer reports that Jenkins, dismissed by Memphis late in the 2024/25 season, is one of the most sought-after coaches on the market. The Wizards were linked to him, yet their front office recently stated Brian Keefe is expected to remain in charge next season. Washington plans to give Keefe an opportunity with a team aiming to win after years focused on draft positioning. Orlando is also believed to admire Jenkins, though Jamahl Mosley is still under contract with the Magic.
Kings keep Christie for financial reasons
Sacramento’s decision to retain Doug Christie was partly driven by cost considerations, Fischer writes. The Kings are not projected to contend for a playoff spot in 2026/27, and Christie has one season left on his deal, making it less practical to pay two head coaches.
Trail Blazers weigh options under new owner
Interim coach Tiago Splitter has impressed since Chauncey Billups was arrested and placed on leave amid an illegal gambling investigation, but Portland’s new majority owner Tom Dundon may head in another direction. Sources tell Fischer that Dundon hopes to limit spending on a head coach to roughly $1.5 million per year—closer to a top assistant’s salary and far below what many college coaches earn. The Blazers have had exploratory conversations with about 20 college and international coaches, raising the possibility that an NBA assistant could ultimately accept the position unless terms with Splitter can be reached.
Bulls and Mavericks launch front-office searches
Chicago has hired executive search firm TurnkeyZRG to identify a new head of basketball operations, and—assuming he remains—head coach Billy Donovan is slated to have significant input, Fischer notes. In Dallas, governor Patrick Dumont is leading the Mavericks’ search without outside assistance.
The Bucks’ coaching vacancy and a market flush with candidates set the stage for a busy offseason across the league.
Source: Hoops Rumors
