2025-26 NBA Guide-Milwaukee Bucks

The Sad End of the “Lillard Era”

The Milwaukee Bucks’ 2024–25 NBA season was a rollercoaster of highs and lows. There were strong stretches in November and January, when they won nine games each. With it, they closed the regular season on fire with an 8–0 record in April heading into the playoffs. But in between those peaks came some deep slumps, including a disastrous 2–8 start and a rough February. Seeking change midseason, the Bucks traded Khris Middleton for Kyle Kuzma.

When the dust settled, Milwaukee finished 48–34, good enough for fifth in the Eastern Conference.

Once again, however, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co. failed to deliver in the postseason. Facing a tough Indiana Pacers squad in the first round, the Bucks fell behind 0–2 when disaster struck. Damian Lillard ruptured his Achilles tendon, ending his season. Without their star guard, Milwaukee quickly bowed out 4–1.

The early exit only fueled rumors that Giannis could be on his way out of Milwaukee. Since their championship in 2021, the Bucks have now suffered three first-round eliminations and one second-round loss.

Offseason Moves and Analysis

Milwaukee’s biggest win this offseason was keeping Giannis. Despite the turbulence, the front office managed to assemble a competitive, playoff-level roster- though not without major sacrifices.

The Bucks retained several familiar faces, including Gary Trent Jr., Bobby Portis, and Kevin Porter Jr. However, they lost veteran center Brook Lopez to the Los Angeles Clippers and decided to waive Damian Lillard, stretching his contract payments through 2030. That move will cost the team around $22 million per year over the next five seasons.

With the newly freed-up cap space, Milwaukee signed Myles Turner, a key piece from the Pacers’ NBA Finals run. Turner’s rim protection and floor-spacing ability make him an ideal fit — essentially a younger, more mobile version of Lopez.

Still, the signing highlights a bigger issue: Turner arrives as the Bucks’ second-best player, which doesn’t exactly inspire championship confidence. Between the dead money from Lillard’s deal and the renewed contracts of solid-but-unspectacular role players, the Bucks have little financial flexibility moving forward.

Expectations for 2025-26 Season

Milwaukee enters the upcoming season as an underdog contender in the East. The silver lining? The Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers aren’t expected to dominate as strongly as last year. But the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers remain a tier above, while the Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, and Miami Heat are all poised to make noise.

Realistically, the Bucks should compete for a top-six playoff spot, avoiding the Play-In Tournament if things go right. If their defense can gel and the offense finds balance around Giannis, Milwaukee could still be a dangerous postseason team.

Player to Watch: Cole Anthony

After spending his first five seasons with the Orlando Magic, Cole Anthony was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies before reaching a buyout agreement and joining the Bucks. Once a promising young starter, he saw his role diminish over the past two years. However, he showed flashes of his old self in last season’s Play-In and playoffs.

In his last full season as a starter, Anthony averaged 16.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.7 assists. These numbers that suggest he can thrive with the right opportunity. If he finds rhythm in Milwaukee, he could become the reliable backcourt scorer and playmaker the team desperately needs to take pressure off Giannis.

X-Factor: Scoring off Turnovers

Giannis Antetokounmpo remains the most devastating transition player in basketball, few can stop him once he’s running downhill. But in recent seasons, Milwaukee’s perimeter defense has regressed, limiting their ability to force turnovers and generate fast-break points.

For the Bucks to return to form, they must rediscover that defensive edge. A stronger, more active defense that creates transition opportunities will not only unleash Giannis at his best but also simplify the offense for everyone else.

If Milwaukee can make that adjustment, the post-Lillard era might not be as bleak as it seems.