Giannis Antetokounmpo is officially a Miami Heat player, ending a historic 13-year run with the Milwaukee Bucks and opening one of the most dramatic new chapters of his NBA career.
The Heat completed the blockbuster move for the Greek superstar, adding Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis in a trade that sends Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakučionis, the No. 13 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, future first-round picks, and additional draft compensation to Milwaukee.
Giannis Antetokounmpo leaves Bucks after historic era
Before the official announcement, Antetokounmpo said goodbye to Milwaukee and Bucks fans through an emotional social media video that looked back on his rise, his connection to the city, and the career-defining moments he created in Wisconsin.
His departure closes the most important modern era in Bucks history. Milwaukee selected Antetokounmpo with the 15th pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. Over the next 13 seasons, he grew into one of the most dominant players in the world and transformed the Bucks into a global franchise.
LET’S FREAKIN’ GO!
Welcome to Miami, @Giannis_An34! pic.twitter.com/km0CdVJZYL
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) July 6, 2026
Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee to the 2021 NBA championship, the franchise’s first title in 50 years, and earned NBA Finals MVP honors after a legendary series against the Phoenix Suns. He also helped the Bucks win the 2024 NBA Cup, where he claimed tournament MVP honors.
His individual résumé with Milwaukee ranks among the greatest in modern basketball. Antetokounmpo won two regular-season MVP awards in 2019 and 2020, the 2021 Finals MVP award, the 2020 Defensive Player of the Year award, the 2024 NBA Cup MVP award, 10 All-Star selections, and seven All-NBA First Team honors.
Bucks owners honor Antetokounmpo’s legacy
The Bucks responded to Antetokounmpo’s farewell with a tribute of their own, thanking him for the impact he had on the franchise, the city, and the wider basketball world.
In a joint statement, Bucks owners Wes Edens, Jimmy and Dee Haslam, and Jamie Dinan praised Antetokounmpo for helping deliver a championship, transforming the organization, and representing Milwaukee with humility, character, and commitment.
“From winning a championship to transforming our organization, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s impact on the Milwaukee Bucks has been profound and lasting,” the owners said. “We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary and historic journey we shared with him.”
You came to Milwaukee 13 years ago as a kid from Sepolia with an impossible dream. Over the past 13 years we have witnessed you grow into one of the greatest players the game has ever seen, the greatest Buck of all time, and the driving force behind an era of Bucks basketball… pic.twitter.com/6oDA0APFwh
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) July 6, 2026
They also emphasized the bond he built with the community over more than a decade.
“For 13 seasons, Giannis gave everything to this organization and inspired our city with his relentless will, humility, and heart,” the statement continued. “He grew into one of the best players in the world while becoming an essential part of the Milwaukee community.”
The owners said his legacy will remain visible throughout the organization, from the banners in the arena to the countless fans he inspired.
“Although this chapter has come to an end, Giannis’ legacy in Milwaukee is secure,” they said. “It will always remain here — in the rafters, throughout our community, and in the countless people he inspired. Forever a Buck.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo gets a new jersey number in Miami
Antetokounmpo’s move to Miami also comes with a symbolic change. After wearing No. 34 throughout his entire Bucks career, the Greek superstar will begin his Heat chapter with No. 7.
The switch marks a clean break from the number that defined his Milwaukee years. For Antetokounmpo, No. 34 will always remain tied to his rise from Sepolia to NBA superstardom. In Miami, No. 7 now represents a new beginning.
Miami has a long history of bold superstar moves. The Heat built title-winning eras around players such as Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh. Antetokounmpo now joins that lineage as the franchise’s latest marquee arrival.
Good thing we’re plugged into @N3onOnYT’s stream 👀 pic.twitter.com/Nu10G0Logv
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) July 7, 2026
The change also adds another layer to the significance of the move. Antetokounmpo is not simply changing teams; he is changing cities, colors, expectations, and the visual identity that fans have associated with him for more than a decade.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
