Despite the Milwaukee Bucks' lackluster three-year stretch and a summer that should feature plenty of changes, it appears General Manager Jon Horst is not going anywhere. Per insider Jake Fischer (subscription required), Horst is proceeding with his job and is on the hunt for Milwaukee's next coach as we speak. Horst is safe in Milwaukee for the time being.
Bucks proceeding with Horst is not surprising
Considering Milwaukee just handed Horst an extension last year, it's not shocking that they are not so eager to let him go. He will be under contract through 2027-28, and the Bucks seemingly want to give him at least another summer to showcase that he can dig this team out of their current hole. Fans can go back and forth on whether that is the best course of action for the franchise.
Horst has his share of strong moves. The former Executive of the Year made deals for players such as Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard, which led to two different contract extensions for superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. Even finding hidden gem role players like Ryan Rollins has helped this team mightily. Those aren't small feats, especially with a title to his name.
Yet, the bad moves still hang over the team like a black cloud. Horst's draft record has been abysmal. Andre Jackson Jr. is the only player in recent years who has become a steady contributor. Several of his picks, including two from under two years, aren't even on the roster right now. Missing on so many of those picks has hurt the team mightily. Don't even bring up the Jae Crowder trade, either. Yikes.
In Milwaukee's eyes, the good clearly outweighs the bad. They've seen Horst pull rabbits out of hats in previous summers, and they want him to do it again.
Horst has a busy summer ahead if he's indeed staying
As mentioned, Horst has gotten Giannis Antetokounmpo to sign extensions before, and he will try to do the same again this offseason. The Greek Freak has made it clearer than ever that he isn't sold on the team's direction in terms of contention, though he believes there is a path to continue together if things are well-positioned. That's music to Horst's ears.
Obviously, finding a head coach will be a major point of emphasis for Horst and the front office, but if they don't also tweak the roster, it won't matter. Everyone wants to know what the Bucks will do with their draft picks, which they will have three to trade. Knowing Horst, he's already scouting the market for big-name players who could become available for trade. That's always been his specialty.
Horst faces perhaps his most crucial task yet, but he has the organizations full backing.
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