Milwaukee Bucks 2026-27 NBA Preseason Preview

Bucks’ Biggest Offseason Loss: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Well, this is easy: Giannis. Milwaukee traded its franchise player to South Beach in the offseason. While losing Giannis stinks, both sides seemed ready for a split. When on the court, Giannis is still superb. However, calf injuries and tension with the Bucks’ brass pushed things to the breaking point. Giannis and Bobby Portis are off to Miami, but the Bucks got a haul in return.

The return was a bit surprising, since everyone knew Giannis wanted out. The Bucks got Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, and Kel’el Ware, plus three first-round picks, a 2030 pick swap, and a second-round pick.

While a split seemed inevitable, replacing Giannis isn’t a one-year fix. Despite missing a ton of games, Giannis still delivers elite production when on the court. In 36 games last year, he averaged 27.6 points, nearly 10 rebounds, and 5.4 assists with stellar efficiency.

Bucks’ Biggest Offseason Addition: Tyler Herro

This could go several ways. Herro and Ware are strong pickups, but adding Burries with the 10th pick in the NBA Draft is also key for the Bucks’ future. Herro seems like the biggest addition for the present.

The Wisconsin native is coming home and should be motivated. Last year, Herro was relegated to just 33 games but still averaged over 20 points per game for a fifth straight year. Herro shot a career-best 48% last year and was about on par with his career 37.8% from distance.

Two years ago, he was an All-Star selection, averaging 23.9 points, 5.5 assists, and 5.2 rebounds on 47.2% shooting, including 37.5% from three. He is also money at the foul line, at nearly 88% for his career. Herro will likely pair with Rollins in the starting lineup, making for an intriguing backcourt for the Bucks.

Ware is also a big newcomer to the squad. He started only 34 games for the Heat, but in those games averaged a double-double with 12.8 points and 10.7 rebounds, while shooting 40.9% from three-point range. Additionally, he brings astute rim protection. With the Bucks playing for the future, Ware should get every opportunity to hone and add to his game to reach his full potential.

Bucks’ Best-Case Scenario Outcome

Most betting odds project the Milwaukee Bucks to win only around 25 games. They also have a pretty brutal stretch of games early in the season. However, if the Bucks can weather that storm, they could make a push and stay in the play-in race. While Milwaukee will be young, they also have talent, with six top-20 picks in the last five NBA Drafts on the roster.

The playoffs are unlikely; the season is about developing the young talent on the roster. With Jenkins at the helm, a proven strong coach of young rosters, Milwaukee can remain in contention for a Play-In spot.

To reach their true potential, the Bucks have to bring out the best in Ware. He’s oozing with talent but seemed to be in the doghouse in Miami. If the staff deploys him correctly and unlocks his all-around game, Ware should be a walking double-double who shoots around 40% from deep.

Bucks’ Worst-Case Scenario Outcome

There aren’t many expectations for Milwaukee this season, at least in terms of wins and losses. The Bucks’ difficult early stretch could put them on a downward slide. The worst-case scenario for them is probably a 20-win season. Milwaukee’s youth movement is in full swing, so a good start could build momentum, but a bad stretch could put them on a slide all season.

The Bucks are going to be a different team at the NBA Trade Deadline than they are in October/November. Jenkins and the Bucks are likely to play the vets on the roster to try and drive up value to deal guys like Kyle Kuzma, Gary Trent Jr., and Caris LeVert (if he makes the team). Kuzma and LeVert are on expiring contracts, and the Bucks will likely struggle to give them minutes.

There are concerns about Kuzma because, well, it’s Kuzma. Fans have been ready for him to be off the team since he arrived. Milwaukee also needs to make some decisions before the season starts, having 17 players and just 15 roster spots. That crunch could lead to a trade before the season or someone being outright waived, putting a bit of a cloud over the start of the year.

The Bucks will pave the way by dealing some veterans on the squad for rookie Burries and young players like Jakucionis to get more playing time in the second half of the year.

Bucks’ Biggest Question Heading Into 2026-27 Season

There are a decent number of questions surrounding the Bucks. For me, it’s how the playing time shakes out, particularly in the frontcourt. Myles Turner wasn’t good last year. Kel’el Ware was a big piece of the return from the Giannis trade.

The main question is how Taylor Jenkins and the Bucks’ front office handle their youthful lineup this season.

Do they start together? Do they play together much? Who starts? Do they evenly split time? Throw Jericho Sims in, who can play with either, and it will be interesting to see how that shakes out. It’s a fascinating situation that could change depending on how they look – good or bad.

The Bucks should give Ware a long runway to develop and unlock his full game in Milwaukee.

That’s not the only question, since starters will likely be decided in training camp. The only starters likely for certain are Herro and Rollins. From there, Jenkins likely lets a young, hungry team fight to earn playing time in training camp. While it’s a new-look Bucks team with different expectations, this year should offer a glimpse of Milwaukee’s future.