The Milwaukee Bucks believe their first season without Giannis Antetokounmpo could be better than their last, according to a league source who spoke with Hoops Wire.
Antetokounmpo and forward Bobby Portis were dealt to the Miami Heat earlier this month. In return, Milwaukee received guard Tyler Herro, center Kelel Ware, forwards Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kasparas Jakucionis, the No. 13 pick in this year’s draft (Nate Ament), two future first-round picks, a pick swap and a second-round selection.
“It’s a new day, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing,” the source said, adding that the roster overhaul eliminates drama surrounding the former two-time MVP.
The Bucks finished 32-50 last season, missing the Eastern Conference’s final play-in spot by 11 games. Despite that mark, the front office and coaching staff—now led by head coach Taylor Jenkins—expect the upgraded depth and reduced distractions to generate progress.
The incoming group joins holdovers Myles Turner, Kyle Kuzma, Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr. While the source cautioned that “there will be a learning curve,” they emphasized the club’s combination of talent, youth and motivation.
The source compared Milwaukee’s situation to the 2019 Oklahoma City Thunder, who exceeded expectations after trading Paul George, and noted that teams such as the 2021 Bucks and the 2025 Indiana Pacers and Thunder reached the NBA Finals despite low preseason forecasts.
Additional roster moves remain possible—Turner could still be moved, the source said—but Milwaukee’s decision-makers contend that teamwork and coaching can compensate for the absence of a clear superstar.
Source: Hoops Wire
