The Bucks are in the 2026 NBA Draft lottery; here’s what to know

Here’s what you need to know about the draft lottery on May 10.

CHICAGO – The Milwaukee Bucks put together one of the most successful runs in the NBA from 2018-25, recording the most regular-season wins of any franchise, reaching the Eastern Conference finals twice and winning the 2021 NBA title over the Phoenix Suns . But, during the 2025-26 season, the team skidded to a 32-win season , its worst in a decade. The team missed the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16, and the 2016 NBA Draft was the last time the franchise was a part of the draft lottery.

Then, the team still was trying to figure out how to build around a 21-year-old named Giannis Antetokounmpo and drafted a 7-foot teenager in Thon Maker with the No. 10 pick. Now, the Bucks are trying to figure out if they will trade Antetokounmpo and perhaps use this new lottery pick as a centerpiece for a new era, or as a complement to a second run with their franchise legend.

The 2026 draft lottery results – for the Bucks and potential trade partners – will be another step for the organization going forward. Here is what you need to know about the 2026 NBA Draft lottery: NBA mock draft 11. 0: First-round projections after early entry deadline When is the 2026 NBA Draft lottery?