NBA Rumors: Bucks Deny Jon Horst Chance to Interview for Pistons' Top Executive Job

The Milwaukee Bucks reportedly denied general manager Jon Horst permission to interview for the Detroit Pistons vacant president of basketball operations position, per NBA insider Marc Stein.

"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.

Stein noted that Horst was interested in speaking to the Pistons, but did not get the opportunity.

"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."

Since Horst took over in 2017, the Bucks have reached the playoffs in each of their seasons and were crowned NBA champions in 2021. Horst was also recognized as the league's Executive of the Year in 2019 after Milwaukee finished 60-22.

The Bucks have now faced back-to-back first-round playoff exits, losing to the Indiana Pacers in six games this year after injuries plagued stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.

As Stein noted, Horst signed a multi-year deal with the Bucks in 2021, and it seems Milwaukee is going to do its best to keep him around.

It is unclear whether Detroit will continue to pursue Horst or not, but it's fair to assume Horst is interested in the position. A Sandusky, Michigan, native, Horst grew up near Detroit and played basketball at Rochester Christian University.

He has also spent time with the Pistons organization, serving as an assistant from 2005 to 2007 before taking over as Manager of Basketball Operations from 2007 to 2009.

Detroit needs a change after its worst season in franchise history, and Horst could be the answer, but for now, he is barred from exploring that opportunity.