One day before the NBA Draft, we finally saw the Milwaukee Bucks trade Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat in a blockbuster move. Bobby Portis is also heading to South Beach, clearing the way for the Bucks to bring up Bogoljub Markovic to give them another power forward following his MVP season over in Serbia.
The reset is on, and Bogoljub Markovic has his opportunity
Markovic was a surprise selection in the 2025 NBA Draft, but another year with Mega Basket has allowed him to continue his development. He can now be a really strong piece of the Bucks' roster moving forward. On the way to winning the ABA League's MVP and Top Prospect awards, he averaged 18.2 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, a steal, and a block per game on shooting splits of .512/.289/.825.
The 3-point shooting needs work, but Markovic is enough of a floor spacer to work well for this new-look Bucks team. His basketball IQ helps him cover a lack of speed at times on defense, and the rim protection is clear to see. Physicality was always the big question mark around the young Serbian. He has built on that during the 2025-26 season, and now, with a clear path to the power forward spot and less pressure on the team to compete.
Markovic has a real chance to make that position his with a positive showing in Summer League. At 20 years old, there is still so much room for him to grow into his body, but also to develop his skill set. The base is there; he just needs a shot, and it may be ugly early on as he gets to grips with the NBA; however, there is a lot to like about him, and a clean slate as a team will allow him to develop.
Milwaukee now has a strong young core, with more to come in the draft
Taylor Jenkins is now in the head coach's seat, and he has a plethora of young players at his disposal now to build his Milwaukee Bucks team. Kel'el Ware is the standout prospect from the Giannis trade, and he is now a clear cornerstone for the franchise at center. A potential frontcourt partnership of Ware and Markovic is filled with potential and could go on to be a real staple of the franchise for a long time.
Ryan Rollins will have even more freedom as the lead guard, Kasparas Jakucionis can be a strong backcourt partner for Rollins, and AJ Green's shooting will always provide value. You then factor in the Bucks having picks No. 10 and 13 in this stacked draft, and that young group of talent is only going to grow in a variety of ways.
We also have to consider that the trade doesn't go through until July 6, so more may be added, including Tyler Herro possibly being moved again. Expensive contracts Myles Turner and Kyle Kuzma also could be traded for further assets and continue the revamp of the team.
The franchise's mindset has completely shifted, and it will take some time to adjust to Giannis not being on the roster. There is a blank slate for the team now, and they can build however they see fit,
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