Giannis Antetokounmpo trade to Heat becomes official

A new era has officially begun for the Miami Heat after the acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks became official on Monday.

Miami completed the blockbuster trade by sending guard Tyler Herro, center Kel'el Ware, forward Jaime Jaquez Jr., guard Kasparas Jakucionis, 2026 first-round draft pick Nate Ament, additional first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2030 pick swap, and a 2033 second-round pick to Milwaukee. The Bucks also included forward Bobby Portis in the deal, which was first reported on June 22.

Following the completion of the trade, Antetokounmpo posted a farewell video on social media, thanking Milwaukee and its fans after spending his entire NBA career with the franchise.

"The city of Milwaukee will always be in my heart," Antetokounmpo said. "This is my home. This is where I raised my kids, where my family is, and where I became the man I am today. That will never change."

Bucks general manager Jon Horst also paid tribute to Antetokounmpo's legacy, praising his impact on both the franchise and the city.

Antetokounmpo, 31, spent 13 seasons with Milwaukee and led the team to the 2021 NBA championship. He leaves as the franchise's all-time leader in games played (895), points (21,531), rebounds (8,882), assists (4,484), and blocked shots (1,088).

A 10-time NBA All-Star, Antetokounmpo was limited to a career-low 36 games during the 2025-26 season after suffering a hyperextended left knee in March. Milwaukee missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2015-16 campaign.

The Bucks receive a significant return led by Herro, who averaged 20.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 33 games last season despite battling injuries.

Ware averaged career highs of 11.1 points and 9.0 rebounds in his second NBA season, while Jaquez posted career-best averages of 15.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists. Jakucionis contributed 6.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists during his rookie campaign.

Herro, Ware, Jaquez, and Jakucionis had all spent their entire NBA careers with the Heat before the trade. -Field Level Media/Reuters