With Giannis Antetokounmpo now in Miami, the Bucks enter a new era with a new coach and a rebuilt roster.
MILWAUKEE —
For the first time in 13 years, the Milwaukee Bucks are beginning an NBA season without Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The two-time MVP, who led Milwaukee to its first NBA championship in 50 years, is now playing for the Miami Heat.
Bobby Portis is gone, too. So is former head coach Doc Rivers.
In their place: a new coach, a rebuilt roster, two first-round draft picks and a very different set of expectations.
The Bucks enter the 2026-27 season looking to establish a new identity after finishing last season 32-50 and missing the playoffs.
The end of the Giannis era
Antetokounmpo’s departure marks one of the biggest turning points in franchise history.
After leading the Bucks to the 2021 NBA championship, he was traded to Miami alongside Portis in a blockbuster deal finalized in July.
In return, Milwaukee received Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakučionis, the draft rights to Nate Ament and future draft assets.
The trade ended an era defined by championship expectations and shifted Milwaukee’s focus toward building around younger talent.
It also sets up two of the season’s most anticipated games: Milwaukee’s first trip to Miami on Nov. 18 and Antetokounmpo’s return to Fiserv Forum on Jan. 28.
Who’s new? Key additions
Tyler Herro — Guard
The most established scorer in the Giannis trade package. The Greenfield native arrives from Miami and is expected to become one of Milwaukee’s primary offensive options.
Kel’el Ware — Center
A young big man with size and shot-blocking ability who could become a key piece of Milwaukee’s frontcourt.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. — Forward
Brings NBA experience, versatility and the ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.
Caris LeVert — Guard
Acquired from Detroit, LeVert adds veteran scoring and playmaking to Milwaukee’s revamped backcourt.
Kasparas Jakučionis — Guard
Another young prospect acquired from Miami who will compete for playing time as Milwaukee develops its backcourt.
Meet Milwaukee’s rookies
Brayden Burries — No. 10 overall pick, Arizona
The first-round guard brings scoring potential and another young option to Milwaukee’s backcourt.
Nate Ament — No. 13 overall pick, Tennessee
The 6-foot-10 forward arrived through the Miami trade and figures to be an important part of Milwaukee’s rebuilding effort.
The Bucks also acquired the draft rights to Malique Lewis, the 60th overall pick, and added young forward Bogoljub Marković.
Who’s gone? Key departures
The Bucks parted ways with several familiar faces during the offseason.
Giannis Antetokounmpo — Miami HeatBobby Portis — Miami HeatTaurean Prince — Detroit PistonsGary Harris — Detroit PistonsAndre Jackson Jr. — DepartedThanasis Antetokounmpo — Departed
The losses of Antetokounmpo and Portis are especially significant. Both helped deliver Milwaukee’s 2021 championship and became longtime fan favorites.
Milwaukee also made a surprising roster move just two days before its season opener, waiving guard Kevin Porter Jr., who averaged 17.4 points and 7.4 assists per game last season. Injuries limited Porter to 38 games, but he led Milwaukee in assists per game and ranked second in scoring.
Meet the new coach: Taylor Jenkins
Taylor Jenkins takes over after Rivers stepped down following last season.
Jenkins spent six seasons leading the Memphis Grizzlies, compiling a 250-214 record and guiding Memphis to three playoff appearances.
He also has ties to Milwaukee, serving as an assistant under Mike Budenholzer during the 2018-19 season.
Jenkins now faces the challenge of building chemistry and establishing a new identity with a largely overhauled roster.
Key dates to circle on the Bucks’ calendar
Oct. 21 — Season opener at Washington Wizards
Milwaukee opened the season with a 128-116 loss in Washington. Tyler Herro led the Bucks with 24 points.
Oct. 23 — Home opener vs. Chicago Bulls
The Bucks host Chicago at Fiserv Forum at 3 p.m.
The game was originally scheduled for 7 p.m. but was moved up four hours to avoid conflicting with Game 1 of the Milwaukee Brewers’ World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Nov. 6 — NBA Cup opener vs. Toronto Raptors
Milwaukee begins NBA Cup play against Toronto at Fiserv Forum at 7 p.m.
Nov. 18 — Bucks at Miami Heat
Milwaukee faces Antetokounmpo and Portis for the first time since the blockbuster trade. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Dec. 12 — Bucks at Memphis Grizzlies
Coach Taylor Jenkins returns to Memphis, where he spent six seasons as head coach. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.
Jan. 28 — Giannis returns to Milwaukee
One of the most anticipated games of the season comes when Antetokounmpo returns to Fiserv Forum in a Miami Heat uniform.
The nationally televised matchup is scheduled for 8:30 p.m.
March 12 — Miami Heat at Milwaukee Bucks
The Heat return to Fiserv Forum for a second matchup against the Bucks. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
A new era begins
The Bucks begin a new era with a new coach, a rebuilt roster and plenty of questions about what comes next.
After 13 seasons with Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee’s focus shifts to developing its next generation of talent and building a new contender.
For the full season schedule and ticket information, visit the Milwaukee Bucks website.