The Giannis Antetokounmpo saga is finally over for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Analyzing What’s Next for the Bucks and Heat After Antetokounmpo Trade
After a year of posturing and numerous rumors throughout the season, which have continued to run wild throughout spring, Milwaukee has decided to send Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat in a six-player trade that could grow to a bigger deal before it becomes official on July 6. The trade of Antetokounmpo brings a slow and disappointing conclusion to arguably the greatest era of Bucks basketball.
“The trade does not include any additional teams — it is a one-to-one move, sources said — but both the Heat and the Bucks will execute the deal July 6, which leaves the framework open to see whether there are opportunities to expand,” ESPN’s Shams Charania said. “Last June, the Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets agreed to a deal that ultimately increased to a historic seven-team trade.”
Antetokounmpo spent 13 seasons in Milwaukee and is unquestionably the greatest Buck in franchise history. The Greek Freak, who lasted until the 15th pick in the 2013 draft, led the Bucks to 10 playoff berths and, more significantly, an NBA title in 2021 — 50 years after their initial crown. During his tenure, the 31-year-old forward earned several NBA honors,s including being a two-time MVP, Finals MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year.
FWIW: Giannis Antetokounmpo is the first multi-time MVP winner traded away since Moses Malone.
— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) June 23, 2026
Since the start of the 2013-14 campaign, the Bucks have posted the eighth-best winning percentage at .575. The Bucks made nine straight playoff appearances from 2017 to 2025. But they were bounced in the first round in five of the nine postseason appearances, including each of the last three seasons.
Framework Of the Bucks- Heat Trade
Miami Heat Receive
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Bobby Portis
Milwaukee Bucks Receive
Tyler Herro
Kel’el Ware
Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Kasparas Jakucionis
2031 first-round pick
2033 first-round pick
No. 13 pick in Tuesday’s draft
Pick swap in 2030
2033 second-round pick
