Giannis Antetokounmpo and Myles Turner go from playoff opponents to teammates after Milwaukee signed the former Indiana center this offseason. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Get Caught Up
2024-25 Record: 48-34 (5th in East, lost in First Round)
Since winning the NBA title in 2021, the Bucks have been unable to return to the championship stage over the past four seasons. In 2024-25, the Bucks overcame a slow start to the season to win the Emirates NBA Cup and earn the 5th seed in the East, but saw their season end in the first round of the playoffs for the third straight year.
With franchise cornerstone Giannis Antetokounmpo entering his 13th season in Milwaukee, the Bucks had a busy summer retooling the roster around the two-time MVP as they aim to return to the top of the Eastern Conference and compete for another championship.
Offseason
- Re-signing: Chris Livingston, Kevin Porter Jr., Bobby Portis, Taurean Prince, Ryan Rollins, Jericho Sims, Gary Trent Jr.
- Additions: Thanasis Antetokounmpo (free agent), Cole Anthony (free agent), Gary Harris (free agent), Myles Turner (free agent)
- Draft: Bogoljub Marković (47th pick)
- Departures: Pat Connaughton (trade), Damian Lillard (waived), Brook Lopez (free agent), Vasilije Micić (overseas)
- Unsigned Free Agents: N/A
Milwaukee’s roster overhaul began at last February’s trade deadline when the Bucks dealt Khris Middleton to the Wizards in exchange for Kyle Kuzma. But the biggest move came in July, when the Bucks waived Damian Lillard – who suffered a torn Achilles in the playoffs and is expected to miss the 2025-26 season – in order to free up cap space to sign center Myles Turner from Indiana.
In addition to Middleton, the Bucks also said goodbye to Brook Lopez and Pat Connaughton from their 2021 title team. Milwaukee did reach an extension with fan favorite Bobby Portis and resigned Taurean Prince, Gray Trent Jr. and Kevin Porter Jr., while adding Cole Anthony and Gary Harris to the roster.
Giannis last season: 30.4 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 6.5 APG ... and an NBA-leading 243 dunks!
X-factor
Myles Turner. After a decade-long run in Indiana that culminated with last year’s Finals appearance, Turner left the Pacers to sign a four-year deal with the rival Bucks, who the Pacers have eliminated in each of the past two postseasons.
Turner brings rim protection – he finished third in the league with 2.0 blocks per game last season – and the ability to stretch the floor as he made 2.2 3-pointers per game on a career-best 39.6% last season in Indy. He should slot into the role played by Lopez last season rather seamlessly.
> Watch Myles Turner on NBA League Pass
One key question
Is this the correct mix to get Milwaukee back into title contention?
Throughout Antetokounmpo’s career, the Bucks have been aggressive in trying to build a championship-caliber team around their superstar forward. After two early playoff exits following their title run in 2021, the Bucks made a coaching change and made a big swing by acquiring Lillard from the Blazers.
After two more first round playoff exits – and Lillard set to miss the upcoming season – the Bucks decided to waive and stretch the remainder of his contract to continue to pursue moves to keep the Bucks in contention. With the Eastern Conference wide open due to season-long injuries for multiple usual contenders, can the Bucks take advantage of this window?
Fantasy Outlook from RotoWire
The team at RotoWire broke down the top fantasy options for each team in the East. Here’s how they broke down some of the best options from the Bucks:
“The squad opted to take on a new look for the upcoming season, as they parted ways with key figures Lillard and Brook Lopez. Alternatively, Kevin Porter Jr. and Cole Anthony are up for significant roles in leading the backcourt, while Gary Trent Jr., AJ Green and Kyle Kuzma will be looked to for supplementary scoring around the dominance of Antetokounmpo’s play. Finally, the Bucks made a splash by acquiring veteran center Myles Turner, who is set to replace Lopez in the starting lineup and gives them another great rim-protector that can also shoot the long ball. With new faces in key positions, it may be a slow start for the Bucks in 2025-26, but with Antetokounmpo in the driver’s seat, they should have what it takes to at least be in the conversation for another shot at the postseason.”
Key dates
- Preseason Opener: Oct. 6 at Heat (7:30 ET, League Pass)
- Regular Season/Home Opener: Oct. 22 vs. Wizards (8 ET, League Pass)
- Emirates NBA Cup East Group C Play: Nov. 7 vs. Bulls (8 ET, League Pass), Nov. 14 vs. Hornets (8 ET, League Pass), Nov. 26 at Heat (7:30 ET, League Pass), Nov. 28 at Knicks (7:30 ET, Prime)
- MLK Day: Jan. 19 at Hawks (1 ET, Peacock)
- Rivals Week: Jan. 21 vs. Thunder (9:30 ET, ESPN)
What they’re saying
David Aldridge, The Athletic: “You can’t say the Bucks don’t turn over every stone to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo happy. They’ve burned through much of their future draft stock; they’ve cycled through coaches; they’ve traded impact players — and now, they’re setting $113 million on fire by waving Lillard and stretching his contract to be able to sign Turner. Turner’s a great fit, and he’s eight years younger than Lopez. And it was easier cutting Lillard knowing he’s likely to miss the season. And Anthony will pick up some of the slack. But, still. No one’s ever eaten this much money before. Milwaukee’s financial flexibility will be compromised through the rest of the Greek Freak’s prime.” (Read More)
