The Milwaukee Bucks officially closed one of the most successful chapters in franchise history on Monday, issuing emotional statements following the blockbuster trade that sent Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat.
The organization confirmed the end of Antetokounmpo’s 13-year tenure by praising the two-time MVP’s impact both on and off the court. Bucks owners Wes Edens, Jimmy and Dee Haslam, and Jamie Dinan described Antetokounmpo as a transformational figure whose legacy “will always be felt” throughout Milwaukee.
“From delivering a championship to transforming our franchise, Giannis’ impact on the Milwaukee Bucks is lasting and profound,” the ownership group said in a joint statement. “For 13 seasons, Giannis gave everything to this organization and inspired our city with his relentless drive, humility and heart.”
General manager Jon Horst also reflected on his long relationship with Antetokounmpo, whom Milwaukee selected with the 15th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. Horst called the trade “an incredibly difficult decision,” adding that it was made “for what is best for the future of the Bucks and for Giannis.”
“Since we drafted him in 2013, Giannis has transformed the Milwaukee Bucks in every way—on the court, in our locker room and throughout the community,” Horst said. “The standard he set will continue here.”
The deal marks a dramatic organizational reset after Milwaukee finished 32-50 during the 2025-26 regular season, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2018. The Bucks ended 11th in the Eastern Conference despite Antetokounmpo remaining one of the league’s premier players.
In return for Antetokounmpo and Portis, Milwaukee acquired Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, first-round picks in 2026, 2031 and 2033, a 2030 first-round pick swap, and a 2033 second-round selection. The package gives the Bucks both young NBA contributors and significant draft capital as they begin a rebuilding phase.
Horst also made a point of recognizing Portis, who spent six seasons with the franchise after joining in 2020. Portis played a key role in Milwaukee’s 2021 NBA championship run and became one of the organization’s most popular players.
“From the moment Bobby arrived, he embraced what it means to be a Buck,” Horst said. “The chants of ‘Bob-by! Bob-by!’ that echoed throughout Fiserv Forum became a defining part of his legacy.”
Milwaukee added rookie Bogoljub Markovic this offseason, and selected Brayden Burries with the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Taylor Jenkins now takes over as head coach with a roster built around youth, financial flexibility and future draft assets.
Antetokounmpo leaves as the greatest player in Bucks history. During his 13 seasons in Milwaukee, he developed from a teenage project into an NBA champion, two-time MVP, NBA Finals MVP and one of the defining stars of his generation. His departure ends an era that included the franchise’s first championship in 50 years, while opening a new chapter for both Milwaukee and Miami.
