MILWAUKEE, WI – An era has officially come to an end in Milwaukee.
The Milwaukee Bucks have traded franchise superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and veteran forward Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat in a blockbuster deal that reshapes the future of both organizations. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Bucks will receive Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round draft picks, a future pick swap, and a second-round selection in return.
The trade concludes a remarkable 13-year run for Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee. Drafted by the Bucks in 2013, the Greek superstar developed into one of the most decorated players in franchise history, earning two NBA Most Valuable Player awards, a Defensive Player of the Year honor, 10 All-Star selections, and leading the Bucks to the 2021 NBA Championship.
Antetokounmpo’s departure follows months of speculation surrounding his future with the organization. Reports indicate he informed the Bucks multiple times over the past year that he believed it was time for both sides to move in a different direction after Milwaukee struggled to remain a championship contender. The Bucks missed the playoffs this past season after finishing 32-50.
For Milwaukee, the return package provides a blend of established talent, youth, and future draft assets. Herro, a Wisconsin native who attended Whitnall High School, highlights the incoming group. The former NBA All-Star has averaged 19.5 points per game during his career with Miami. Jaquez finished second in the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year voting last season, while Ware and Jakucionis give the Bucks two young players with significant upside.
The Bucks will also receive Miami’s No. 13 overall pick in this week’s NBA Draft, unprotected first-round selections in 2031 and 2033, a 2030 pick swap, and a 2033 second-round pick. The trade cannot become official until July 6.
For the Heat, the acquisition instantly changes the outlook of the franchise. Antetokounmpo joins a core that includes Bam Adebayo and gives Miami one of the league’s premier defensive frontcourts. The move immediately improved the Heat’s championship odds and places them among the favorites in the Eastern Conference.
The trade also marks the end of Milwaukee’s 2021 championship roster. With Portis included in the deal and Thanasis Antetokounmpo currently a free agent, no players remain from the team that delivered the franchise’s first NBA title in 50 years.
While the Bucks move into a new era under head coach Taylor Jenkins, Antetokounmpo leaves Milwaukee as one of the greatest players in franchise history. His legacy includes bringing a championship back to the city, rewriting the record books, and transforming the Bucks into one of the NBA’s premier franchises during his tenure.
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