Former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo Headed to Miami in NBA Blockbuster Trade

MILWAUKEE, WI — The Milwaukee Bucks are trading franchise star Giannis Antetokounmpo and forward Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat in exchange for a package that includes Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, and multiple future draft assets, the NBA confirmed late Monday night.

The deal, which cannot become official until July 6, also includes unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, the No. 13 overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft, a 2030 pick swap and a 2033 second-round selection heading to Milwaukee.

The trade marks the end of Antetokounmpo’s 13-year tenure with the Bucks, where he developed into one of the league’s most accomplished players. A 10-time All-Star, two-time MVP and 2021 Finals MVP, Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee to its first NBA championship in 50 years in 2021.

Miami, led by team president Pat Riley, adds Antetokounmpo to a roster anchored by Bam Adebayo. 

The Bucks, meanwhile, receive a mix of young talent and future draft capital as they pivot toward a long-term rebuild. Herro, a 2025 All-Star who grew up in the Milwaukee area, headlines the incoming group. He averaged 19.5 points per game over his career but appeared in just 33 games last season due to injury.

Jaquez finished second in Sixth Man of the Year voting after averaging 15.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists, while Ware averaged 11.0 points and 9.0 rebounds. Jakucionis, a recent first-round pick, adds additional youth to the roster.

Milwaukee general manager Jon Horst chose Miami’s offer over other proposals, including one from the Boston Celtics that reportedly featured Jaylen Brown and draft picks, prioritizing long-term flexibility and roster depth.

Antetokounmpo’s departure follows more than a year of tension between the star and the organization. Reports indicated he informed the team multiple times that he would not sign a long-term extension and preferred a move to a contender. He has one guaranteed year remaining on his contract with a player option in 2027.

Despite injuries limiting him to 36 games last season, Antetokounmpo remained productive, averaging 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game.

The trade also signals a complete turnover from Milwaukee’s 2021 championship roster, as no players from that team remain with the franchise.

Miami finished 43-39 last season and missed the playoffs after a loss in the play-in tournament. With the addition of Antetokounmpo, the Heat are expected to re-enter contention in the Eastern Conference.