It’s not just team personnel the Milwaukee Bucks have to be concerned about this summer. There could be major changes up top as well amid rumors linking general manager Jon Horst to a move to their Central Division rivals, the Detroit Pistons.

Milwaukee Bucks, Jon Horst
Jun 6, 2023; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst talks about the hiring of a new head coach at a press conference in Milwaukee. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

As it turns out, however, the Bucks brass have no intention of letting Horst walk away in the offseason.

Milwaukee Bucks Blocking Jon Horst’s Rumored Pistons Move

Milwaukee Bucks, NBA Draft, Damian Lillard, Doc Rivers, Jon HorstJan 27, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst, left, and head coach Glenn Rivers arrive at a news conference at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-USA TODAY Sports
According to multiple reports, the Pistons are looking to bring in Horst as their new president of basketball operations. There have also been indications that Horst himself is interested in the position, with reports stating that he will be interviewing with the Pistons soon.

Apparently, the Bucks aren’t letting this happen. According to league insider Marc Stein, Milwaukee’s front office has refused to allow Horst to interview for the Pistons job:

“The Bucks this week declined to grant permission to the Pistons to interview Michigan native Jon Horst in Detroit’s search for a new president of basketball operations, league sources say,” Stein wrote (paywalled).

Milwaukee Bucks, Doc RiversFeb 6, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers talks with forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the third quarter of the game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
This is very interesting, especially considering how Horst appears to have shown some sort of interest in the Pistons job. The fact that the Bucks are virtually blocking the move must mean that they have had a discussion with Horst about his tenure in Milwaukee. If this is not the case, then they’re basically pulling the rug from underneath him by not even allowing him to explore other job opportunities.

Jon Horst ‘Interested’ Pistons Move

USATSI 22921071 168400517 lowresApr 1, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles defended by Memphis Grizzlies forward Lamar Stevens (24) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports


True enough, Stein’s report also indicates that Horst is indeed “interested” in the Pistons gig:

“It is believed that Horst, who won Executive of the Year honors in Milwaukee in 2018-19 and more recently made the trade that brought Damian Lillard to the Bucks in September, was indeed interested in speaking to the Pistons,” Stein wrote. “Horst signed a multiyear contract extension with the Bucks in October 2021 with two years left on his deal at the time.”

There have been no reports about a falling out between Horst and the Bucks brass, which likely means that Milwaukee would not have denied the interview without Horst having knowledge of the same.

Perhaps a contract extension with the Bucks could be in the works for Horst in the near future?

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