Bucks GM Jon Horst Outlines Motive Behind Antetokounmpo Deal
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Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst on Thursday offered the first detailed explanation of why the franchise approved a blockbuster trade that sent two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat.
“No one’s sitting here today saying we’re a better team after trading Giannis,” Horst told reporters during a conference call held two days after the deal became official. “He’s one of the greatest players ever and the greatest in our franchise’s history. For us, this was about creating an opportunity to build a new foundation with a new coach and a roster we believe can remain competitive year after year.”
Horst had spent several seasons searching for ways to keep Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee. He traded for Damian Lillard in 2023 to add another elite scorer, then waived and stretched Lillard’s contract after the guard tore his Achilles during the 2025 playoffs, freeing cap space to sign center Myles Turner. Despite those moves, Milwaukee fell to 32-50 this season after three straight first-round playoff exits.
The downturn, Horst said, contributed to Antetokounmpo’s growing frustration and ultimately led to Monday’s trade that sent Antetokounmpo and forward Bobby Portis to Miami. In return, the Bucks received guard Tyler Herro, center Kelel Ware, forwards Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kasparas Jakucionis, this year’s No. 13 draft pick, two future first-round selections, a future pick swap and a second-rounder.
Boston also pursued Antetokounmpo and included All-Star wing Jaylen Brown in its proposal, Horst confirmed. Milwaukee chose Miami’s offer, he said, because it featured more draft capital and younger players.
“There’s a sense of excitement because it’s a different challenge,” Horst remarked. “We’ve got a lot of work ahead, and I think Giannis is in a similar situation—new circumstances and a real opportunity to achieve what he wants.”
The decision to part with Antetokounmpo, the No. 15 pick in 2013 who delivered Milwaukee’s second NBA championship in 2021 and set numerous franchise records, was “extremely difficult,” Horst added. Still, he insisted the front office was not forced into action.
“This was not a ‘have to,’” he said. “We believed we found a unique opportunity that’s best for him and best for us moving forward. If we were going to make a deal, it had to provide the clearest path ahead for our organization, and we feel this one does.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
