Bucks’ biggest problem may be what comes after all the losing

The Bucks are 1-11, and the record might be the easiest part of their situation to explain.

They traded Giannis Antetokounmpo, lost their identity and have yet to establish much of a replacement. Wednesday’s 123-112 loss to the Lakers was their eighth straight.

But as Fran Leiva outlined for Fadeaway World, Milwaukee’s problems extend beyond finding a way to win its next game. The Bucks are trying to rebuild while carrying the financial commitments and draft obligations of a team that spent years chasing championships.

Some of those decisions helped deliver the 2021 title. The bill is still arriving.

Damian Lillard’s stretched contract carries an annual cap charge of roughly $21.3 million through 2029-30. That’s a substantial commitment to a player now helping the Trail Blazers.

Meanwhile, Myles Turner is averaging just 6.7 points while shooting 32.9% from the field. He’s still blocking shots, but Milwaukee needs considerably more from a center making $26.6 million this season.

Kyle Kuzma’s expiring contract could provide a trade opportunity. Getting meaningful assets back, though, will depend on what another team thinks he can contribute. An available veteran and a valuable trade piece aren’t automatically the same thing.

Then there’s the draft. Previous trades have left Milwaukee without clean control of several upcoming first-round selections. A miserable season won’t necessarily deliver the usual rebuilding reward.

There are pieces worth developing. Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kel’el Ware give Milwaukee something to work with, alongside its younger prospects. Ryan Rollins also deserves time to find his footing after a productive season.

Still, the Bucks need to turn those pieces into a direction. Selling off veterans sounds simple. Finding deals that actually improve their future is the harder assignment.

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