For the first time since 2012-13, the Milwaukee Bucks enter a season without Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two-time MVP was sent to the Miami Heat in June for a package headlined by Tyler Herro and draft picks. The franchise faces a major rebuild with low expectations but the luxury to evaluate long-term fits. New coach Taylor Jenkins aims to establish culture with a roster featuring Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and rookie Brayden Burries. The Bucks hold their own 2027 first-round pick, complicating pure tanking strategies. Success this season will likely be defined by developing young talent like Ryan Rollins and Burries while integrating veterans Gary Trent Jr. and Myles Turner. With a deep Eastern Conference, Milwaukee could chase a play-in spot, but the front office is prioritizing finding a long-term direction in the post-Antetokounmpo era.

Key additions: Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, Caris Le Vert. Key retentions: Gary Trent Jr. Key subtractions: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis. Basketball Power Index rank: No. 28.