Bucks’ 1-9 start raises questions about who fits their future

The Bucks knew trading Giannis Antetokounmpo would change their expectations. A 1-9 start has made the next question harder to avoid.

Namely, who on this roster should be part of what comes next?

Fran Leiva of Fadeaway World examined that question, arguing that Milwaukee should prioritize its younger players and explore moving veterans. That’s his proposed approach, rather than a report that the Bucks have decided to conduct a fire sale.

Kyle Kuzma and Myles Turner headline Leiva’s suggested trade candidates. His reasoning centers on their fit with a rebuilding team and the minutes that could instead go toward evaluating younger options.

Turner’s start has been particularly difficult. Leiva notes that he’s averaging 7.1 points while shooting 34.6% from the field, with Kel’el Ware waiting behind him.

The Bucks acquired Ware in the Antetokounmpo deal. Eventually, they need to determine whether he can become their long-term starting center. A larger role would help answer that.

Leiva would also retain Tyler Herro, provided the sides can agree on a reasonable contract, along with Jaime Jaquez Jr. and prospects such as Nate Ament, Brayden Burries and Kasparas Jakucionis. Herro has supplied 21.4 points per game, while Jaquez has averaged 15.2.

There’s a sensible distinction here. Keeping productive players who can help the younger group doesn’t prevent a rebuild. Keeping veterans primarily because they’re established can slow one down.

But moving players requires willing buyers, and a bad start doesn’t improve anyone’s negotiating position. The Bucks have to consider what they’re getting back, not simply how many names they can send out.

Milwaukee doesn’t need to solve its entire future in November. It does need this season to produce something beyond losses. Finding out which young players can handle more responsibility would be a useful start.

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