Giannis in Miami: inside the trade that ended an era in Milwaukee

Giannis Antetokounmpo will start an NBA season in a jersey other than Milwaukee’s for the first time. The Bucks traded the two-time MVP to the Miami Heat in late June, ending a partnership that began when they drafted him 15th overall in 2013 and peaked with the 2021 championship.

Milwaukee’s return centred on guard Tyler Herro and big man Kel’el Ware, plus role players and three first-round picks — one of them the No. 13 selection in this year’s draft, with the other two unprotected. Boston were reported to have offered Jaylen Brown and two firsts, but the Bucks preferred Miami’s package.

The trade followed a difficult season: Milwaukee finished 32–50, nine games out of the playoff places, and Antetokounmpo played a career-low 36 games because of injuries while still averaging 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists.

For Miami, the bet is on health. Antetokounmpo is under contract through 2027–28 (with a player option) and becomes eligible for an extension with the Heat in January 2027. Pairing him with Bam Adebayo gives the Heat one of the most physical frontcourts in the East.