The Milwaukee Bucks have traded Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat before the 2026 NBA Draft. This marks the end of Antetokounmpo’s illustrious 13-year career with the Bucks, a journey that brought two NBA MVP awards and their first championship in 50 years.
The Bucks will receive Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakučionis, three first-round picks in 2026, 2031, and 2033, a 2030 first-round pick swap, and a 2033 second-round pick. Bobby Portis will also move to Miami. The deal cannot be finalized until July 6, and there is speculation about its possible expansion, particularly involving Tyler Herro, who is attracting interest from other teams.
Antetokounmpo, at 31, recorded an impressive 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game despite battling injuries throughout the 2025-26 season, missing the All-NBA team for the first time since 2016. The Heat, recovering from a disappointing Play-In game finish, expressed a strong desire to add a new star to their roster after missing the playoffs for the first time in seven years.
Pat Riley, the Heat’s president, had made it clear that the team needed a change following several early exits in the playoffs. Miami was close to acquiring Antetokounmpo at the February trade deadline, and their persistence paid off with this successful trade.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was selected by the Bucks as the 15th pick in the 2013 draft. By his fourth season, he emerged as an All-Star and quickly evolved into a perennial MVP candidate under former coach Mike Budenholzer. Antetokounmpo leaves Milwaukee as the all-time leader in numerous statistical categories, including points and rebounds.
He led the Bucks to a championship in 2021, returning from a knee injury to deliver an outstanding performance, scoring 50 points in the decisive Game 6 of the NBA Finals, earn the Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP trophy. Despite attempts to replicate their success, Milwaukee faced several unsuccessful postseason campaigns, prompting discussions about parting ways with Antetokounmpo this season.
The 32-50 record this season, finishing 11th in the Eastern Conference, reignited talks of separation. With the franchise unable to provide a competitive environment, the decision for Antetokounmpo to leave became inevitable.
Over the past eight seasons, his future in Milwaukee has been a topic of discussion. After the 2019 Eastern Conference finals exit, there was speculation about his commitment to the team. He eventually signed a record-breaking contract with the Bucks in 2020. However, recent injuries and management changes, including the departure of Budenholzer and the arrival of Adrian Griffin, influenced dynamics within the team.
In 2023, Milwaukee attempted to boost their roster with Damian Lillard, but his Achilles injury and subsequent issues, including the firing of coach Griffin, left Antetokounmpo contemplating his position. The Bucks considered options during the season, and ultimately, the decision to trade him came before the draft.
Now, Antetokounmpo is set to pursue another championship with the Miami Heat, entering a new chapter in his career.