Miami acquires Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis from Milwaukee in exchange for four players and draft assets.
The Miami Heat have acquired two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo and forward Bobby Portis from the Milwaukee Bucks in a blockbuster trade that signals the end of an era in Milwaukee and a renewed championship push in South Florida.
According to ESPN, the Heat will send Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round draft picks, a pick swap and a second-round pick to Milwaukee. The deal is expected to be officially completed on July 6.
The move pairs Antetokounmpo with Bam Adebayo and gives Miami one of the league’s most formidable frontcourts as the franchise seeks to return to title contention after missing the playoffs last season.
For Milwaukee, the trade marks the departure of the player who transformed the franchise over 13 seasons. Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to their first NBA championship in 50 years in 2021 and leaves as a 10-time All-Star, two-time MVP, Defensive Player of the Year and Finals MVP.
The Bucks received a package centered on youth and future assets, including former All-Star Herro, promising big man Ware, Sixth Man of the Year runner-up Jaquez and second-year guard Jakucionis, alongside significant draft compensation.
Milwaukee reportedly chose Miami’s offer over a competing proposal from the Boston Celtics, prioritising long-term flexibility and roster depth over an immediate win-now return.
Antetokounmpo’s exit follows a lengthy standoff with the Bucks. Sources said the 31-year-old had informed the organisation for more than a year that he would not sign another long-term extension and believed both sides would benefit from a fresh start.
Despite injuries limiting him to a career-low 36 games last season, Antetokounmpo averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists while shooting 62% from the field.
The trade also closes the chapter on Milwaukee’s 2021 championship core, with no players from that title-winning team remaining on the Bucks roster.