Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst has revealed that rookie guard Kasparas Jakucionis was a key part of the package the team received from the Miami Heat in the blockbuster Giannis Antetokounmpo trade.
When asked whether Jakucionis helped make Miami’s offer the preferred one, Horst indicated that the Lithuanian guard was just as important as Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kel’el Ware in the deal.
“We were very intentional about the players which we acquired from Miami,” Horst said.
“All four of them. We were very specific about having them be part of this because we think it gives us a real chance to establish that and gives us a place to build from. Each player was primary for us.
“There was not a deal that we would have done that didn’t have each of these four players in it, including Kasparas. Miami valued them all as well, as they should.”
He also spoke highly of Jakucionis, praising the young guard’s maturity, work ethic, and early impact in the NBA. The Bucks believe he has the tools to become an important piece of the franchise’s future.
“He is incredibly competitive, incredibly hard-working, well-regarded by his college coaches, well-regarded by the (Lithuanian) national team, well-regarded from Miami folks,” Horst said.
“So, we’re excited about him. We’re excited about his positional size, we’re excited about his mentality, the pureness by which he plays the game. He plays the right way. He’s a table-setter. He’s a true point guard. He’s a very good shooter at a young age.”
Central Notes: Jakucionis, Portis, Mitchell, Swain https://t.co/bwb4uY5RNq
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) July 10, 2026
