The Milwaukee Bucks should consider moving on from general manager Jon Horst, specifically if he is unable to improve the roster by making a trade or two before the upcoming deadline.
The Bucks have been one of the NBA’s most successful franchises over the past six seasons, but even the best organizations can lose their way. General Manager Jon Horst, who has been at the helm since 2017, played a key role in building the team that won the 2021 NBA Championship.
However, the past few seasons have raised legitimate questions about his decision-making, long-term strategy, and ability to keep the Bucks competitive in an increasingly dynamic and competitive league. Here’s why the Milwaukee Bucks should seriously consider parting ways with Horst.
1. Lack of forward-thinking roster construction
The Bucks’ roster under Jon Horst has been heavily reliant on top-heavy veteran talent, with little emphasis on developing young players or preparing for the future. While the win-now strategy paid off in 2021 when the team won its first championship in 50 years, they have since struggled to maintain the status as a top-tier contender.
Horst has consistently traded away first-round picks, leaving the Bucks with a bare cupboard of young talent. This short-term approach has hindered the team’s ability to adapt to injuries, decline in veteran performance and the inevitable transition period that follows championship runs. Teams like the Denver Nuggets have demonstrated the importance of blending star talent with younger, cost-controlled players—something the Milwaukee Bucks have failed to emulate.
2. Questionable trades and signings
Horst’s track record when it comes to trades and signings has been hit or miss. While the acquisition of Jrue Holiday in 2020 was pivotal to the Milwaukee Bucks’ championship, recent moves have been less inspiring.
Damian Lillard trade (2023): While acquiring Lillard brought excitement, it came at the cost of a beloved locker-room presence and defensive anchor in Jrue Holiday. The trade also created defensive weaknesses, which the team has since struggled to address.
Role players and depth issues: Overpaying for aging veterans or signing players who fail to fit the team’s system has left the Bucks with a lack of true, reliable depth. The team’s struggles to find consistent production from their bench have become glaringly obvious during the 2024-25 season. These missteps have not only limited the Bucks’ flexibility but also failed to maximize the prime years of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the franchise’s cornerstone.
3. Overall decline in defensive identity
The Bucks were once known as one of the league’s best defensive teams, but their defensive identity has eroded over the past two seasons. The hiring of Doc Rivers as head coach season was expected to address these issues, but the roster Horst constructed has not been conducive to sustained defensive success.
The departures of Holiday and other defensive-minded players have left the Bucks vulnerable against elite teams. Horst’s inability to prioritize two-way players in roster construction has undermined the team’s balance and contributed to its inconsistent performance.
4. Failure to plan for Giannis Antetokounmpo's future
Perhaps the most pressing concern is Horst’s handling of the team’s future with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Giannis has been vocal about his desire to compete for championships, and his patience may wear thin if the Bucks fail to remain competitive and/or suffer another early playoff exit for the third straight season.
While the Lillard trade was an attempt to appease Giannis, the move could backfire if the team continues to underperform come playoff time or if Lillard’s contract becomes a liability as he ages.
Without a clear long-term plan, the Milwaukee Bucks risk alienating their franchise player, which could lead to devastating consequences for the organization.
5. Stagnation in team culture
A strong organizational culture is critical for sustained success, but there are signs that the Bucks’ culture has stagnated. The team’s reliance on veteran players and lack of internal development has created a rigid, short-term mindset. Meanwhile, other teams around the league are fostering competitive environments that prioritize adaptability and innovation. Horst’s approach has, at times, seemed resistant to change, leaving the Milwaukee Bucks behind the curve.
Jon Horst’s tenure as General Manager of the Milwaukee Bucks has had its highs, including a long-awaited championship in 2021. However, the challenges the Bucks face today—aging stars, depleted assets, overall defensive struggles (especially in the playoffs the past two seasons) and continuing questions and speculation about Giannis’ future—are direct results of his decisions.
While Horst deserves credit for his contributions, it may be time for the Milwaukee Bucks to bring in new leadership with a fresh perspective and a long-term vision.
The window to contend with Giannis and Lillard is not infinite and is closing ever so slowly, as every decision matters. If the Milwaukee Bucks want to remain a powerhouse in the NBA, they must act decisively—and that may include parting ways with Jon Horst.