The Milwaukee Bucks formally completed a blockbuster trade that ships two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat, the teams announced Monday after the NBA’s transaction moratorium ended.
Miami also acquires veteran forward Bobby Portis. In return, Milwaukee receives guard Tyler Herro, rookies Kelel Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kasparas Jakucionis, the No. 13 selection in this year’s draft, two future first-round picks, a first-round pick swap and a second-round pick.
Franchise icon says goodbye
Antetokounmpo arrived in Milwaukee as the 15th overall pick in the 2013 draft, spending 13 seasons with the Bucks, securing two league MVP awards and leading the club to the 2021 NBA championship. In a statement, the team’s ownership thanked the 29-year-old star “for delivering a championship” and declared his legacy “forever a Buck.”
General manager Jon Horst issued an open letter to fans, describing the move as serving the long-term interests of both the organization and the player.
New directions for both teams
The Heat, long in pursuit of a marquee scorer, now pair Antetokounmpo with Bam Adebayo to strengthen their push in the Eastern Conference. Milwaukee, meanwhile, pivots toward a younger core and increased roster flexibility after one of the most successful periods in franchise history.
Although the agreement had been in place since late June, league regulations delayed formal approval until Monday.
Source: Hoops Wire
