Giannis Antetokounmpo traded to Miami Heat after 13 seasons with Bucks

The trade package

The Bucks sent Antetokounmpo and forward Bobby Portis to Miami in exchange for guard Tyler Herro, forward Jaime Jaquez, center Kel'el Ware, guard Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round draft picks, one pick swap and one second-round pick, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. The first-round selections include the 13th overall pick in the 2026 draft, plus future picks in 2031 and 2033. The deal can be officially announced by July 6.

Boston's pursuit

The Boston Celtics were the other finalist, offering Jaylen Brown and two first-round picks. The Bucks evaluated both proposals before accepting Miami's package. Charania noted that both destinations were preferred by the player.

“The two teams are the two destinations the player wants. Today or tomorrow the trade will happen, with one of the two teams, barring the unexpected.”

Giannis's legacy in Milwaukee

Drafted 15th overall in 2013, Antetokounmpo became the franchise's all-time leader in points, rebounds, assists, games, minutes, blocks, free throws, field goals and triple-doubles, and ranks second in steals. He led the Bucks to the 2021 championship, the franchise's first title in 50 years, and earned two MVP awards, a Finals MVP and a Defensive Player of the Year award. Over 895 regular-season games he averaged 24.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal and 1 block.

A cryptic farewell

Hours before the trade was reported, Antetokounmpo posted a black-and-white Instagram photo of himself in a Bucks jersey, back turned to the camera, with the caption:

“God, I trusted you in the beginning, I will continue to trust you along the way.”

What's next

In Miami, Antetokounmpo will pair with Bam Adebayo to form a powerful frontcourt. He becomes eligible to sign a contract extension on October 1, and the Heat are expected to secure his long-term commitment. The trade reshapes the Eastern Conference, moving one of the league's most dominant two-way players to a perennial playoff contender.