The Milwaukee Bucks have agreed to trade franchise star Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat in one of the biggest deals in recent NBA history.
According to reports in the United States, Miami will receive Antetokounmpo and forward Bobby Portis, while Milwaukee acquires Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis and a substantial package of draft assets.
The deal includes the Heat’s No.13 pick in this year’s NBA Draft, unprotected first-round selections in 2031 and 2033, a pick swap in 2030 and a second-round pick in 2033.
The trade cannot be formally completed until 6 July, although both organisations have already agreed to the framework of the move.
End of an era in Milwaukee
Antetokounmpo leaves Milwaukee after 13 seasons, bringing an end to one of the most successful spells by any player in franchise history.
The Greek forward arrived as a raw first-round draft pick in 2013 before developing into one of the league’s dominant stars. During his time with the Bucks, he won two NBA MVP awards, a Defensive Player of the Year honour and led the franchise to its first NBA championship in 50 years in 2021.
A 10-time All-Star, Antetokounmpo became the face of the organisation and one of the NBA’s most recognisable players.
However, Milwaukee’s fortunes declined after that title-winning campaign. The Bucks won just one playoff series over the following four seasons and missed the postseason entirely last year after finishing with a 32-50 record.
Reports suggest Antetokounmpo had informed the organisation on multiple occasions that he believed a separation would benefit both sides and had no intention of signing another long-term extension.
Miami secure another marquee signing
For Miami president Pat Riley, the move continues a long history of bringing elite talent to South Florida.
Antetokounmpo joins a list of major acquisitions that includes Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Jimmy Butler.
The 31-year-old is expected to form one of the NBA’s strongest defensive partnerships alongside Bam Adebayo, giving the Heat renewed hopes of challenging for an Eastern Conference title.
Miami reacted quickly once Antetokounmpo became available, beating competition from several rival teams.
The Boston Celtics were reportedly among the clubs heavily involved in negotiations and are believed to have offered a package centred around Jaylen Brown and future draft picks.
Bucks focus on the future
Milwaukee opted for Miami’s proposal largely because of the flexibility it provides.
Rather than acquiring another established superstar, the Bucks receive a collection of younger players and valuable draft capital that can help reshape the roster under new head coach Taylor Jenkins.
Herro arrives as the headline piece after seven seasons with the Heat. The Wisconsin native earned All-Star recognition in 2025 and has averaged nearly 20 points per game during his NBA career.
Jaquez, Ware and Jakucionis also give Milwaukee promising young talent to develop alongside their future draft assets.
What the trade means
The move signals a complete reset for the Bucks.
With Portis included in the deal and Thanasis Antetokounmpo currently a free agent, no players remain from Milwaukee’s 2021 championship-winning roster.
For Miami, expectations will rise immediately.
The Heat missed the playoffs last season after losing in the play-in tournament, but the addition of Antetokounmpo transforms their outlook and places them firmly among the contenders in the Eastern Conference.
When healthy last season, Antetokounmpo averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game despite appearing in only 36 contests.
