Miami Heat complete Giannis Antetokounmpo trade from Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo has officially completed his blockbuster trade to the Miami Heat, ending a historic 13-year tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Greek forward confirmed his departure in an emotional social media video released on Monday afternoon.
Speaking in a sit-down interview with veteran Bucks broadcaster Jim Paschke, the 2021 Finals MVP expressed his deep affection for the city that drafted him.
“I hope bringing a trophy to this city meant something to them because it meant so much to me,” Antetokounmpo said.
“I want you to hear it from my mouth: The city of Milwaukee will always be in my heart.”
A franchise-altering deal
Milwaukee agreed to send their talisman and forward Bobby Portis to Florida last month in exchange for a massive haul of players and draft assets.
The Heat parted ways with Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr and Kasparas Jakučionis to secure the two-time regular-season MVP.
This comprehensive package also included multiple future first-round picks, a pick swap, a second-round pick, and the number 13 selection in the 2026 NBA draft.
That valuable 2026 selection has already been utilised by the Bucks to draft highly-rated forward Nate Ament.
Leaving a historic legacy behind
The eight-time All-Star departs Wisconsin as the undisputed statistical king of the franchise.
He currently stands as Milwaukee’s all-time leader in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, minutes played, and triple-doubles.
“I believe the city of Milwaukee is blue collar,” the former first-round pick explained during his farewell video.
“It’s people that work extremely hard every single day, and give all their hard-earned money to come watch the Milwaukee Bucks.”
Bucks bid farewell to a generational talent
The Bucks organisation released a formal statement on Monday to thank their departing superstar for delivering the 2021 NBA championship and transforming the team’s fortunes.
“Since we drafted him in 2013, Giannis has transformed the Milwaukee Bucks in every way — on the court, in our locker room and throughout the community,” Bucks general manager Jon Horst stated.
“Over 13 seasons, he became an extraordinary leader, teammate and representative of this city, and one of the defining players of his generation.”
Horst acknowledged that authorising the departure of their franchise cornerstone was an incredibly difficult decision, though ultimately made with the long-term future of the team in mind.