It’s official – Giannis Antetokounmpo’s stellar run with the Milwaukee Bucks has formally come to an end, and both the franchise and its longtime face are commenting for the first time.
News broke June 22 that Antetokounmpo, considered the greatest player ever to wear a Bucks uniform, would be sent to the Miami Heat, a trade was formally completed on Monday. Antetokounmpo departs Milwaukee after 13 seasons, the highlight of which was leading the team on a run to the 2021 NBA title, the franchise’s first in 50 years and just its second ever.
Gratitude-filled messages from Bucks owners, General Manager Jon Horst and Antetokounmpo himself were delivered on Monday.
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In a 2-minute, 16-second video posted to social media, with a simple heart emoji in the text, Antetokounmpo has this to say in what he called a message to the “city of Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin.”
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) July 6, 2026
“I tried to be like them. I believe the city of Milwaukee is blue-collar. It’s people that work extremely hard every single day and give up all their hard-earned money to just to come watch the Milwaukee Bucks. To come and feel something. To come to be a part of us. I hope that I was able to represent them the best that I could. I was like them. I showed up to work. I was willing to do all the dirty work, just like them.”
The video is filled with many of Antetokounmpo’s high-flying dunks as well as moments from the championship game and title celebration.
“I hope that bringing the trophy to this city meant something to them because it meant so much to me. I want you to hear from my mouth. The city of Milwaukee will always be in my heart. This is my home. This is the place that I had my kids. My mom is here. My father is here. My brother played here. It made me the man that I am today. That will never, ever change. No matter where I am, Milwaukee will always be my city, my team, my family.”
The video ends with a baby-faced Antetokounmpo, as a teenager, saying: “I want to be an NBA player.”
Bucks’ owners Wes Edens, Jimmy and Dee Haslam, and Jamie Dinan issued the following statement:
“We are incredibly grateful for what has been a remarkable and historic journey together. From delivering a championship to transforming our franchise, Giannis’ impact on the Milwaukee Bucks is lasting and profound. For 13 seasons, Giannis gave everything to this organization and inspired our city with his relentless drive, humility and heart. He grew into one of the greatest players in the world while becoming an integral part of the Milwaukee community. More importantly, Giannis represented this organization with authenticity, character and a deep commitment to the people of Milwaukee.
His unforgettable moments on the court and his influence beyond the game defined an era of Bucks basketball and elevated our franchise on a global stage. Few players have left such a meaningful mark on a team, a city and an entire generation of fans. Though this chapter has come to an end, Giannis’ legacy in Milwaukee is secure. It will always be felt here — in the rafters, throughout our community and in the countless people he inspired. Forever a Buck.”
General manager Jon Horst also posted a message to social media, which opens by stating: “There are few players in the history of professional sports who have elevated a franchise, a city and a fan base they Giannis Antetokounmpo has for Milwaukee and the Bucks.”
A letter from GM Jon Horst. pic.twitter.com/M9XzqwEguA
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) July 6, 2026
Horst goes on to write that the decision to trade its franchise player “is in the best interest of both the Bucks and Giannis.”
“I understand the emotions this news brings, and I share them,” Horst wrote. “I’m confident our path going forward provides a strong foundation for sustained success. As we begin the next chapter of Bucks basketball, we do so with optimism, purpose and a clear vision to build on our standard of excellence while strengthening our competitive identity and winning culture under the leadership of our new head coach, Taylor Jenkins.”
The Bucks hired Jenkins on April 30 to replace the departed Doc Rivers, one of five permanent head coaches for whom Antetokounmpo played during this time in Milwaukee. Jenkins is the franchise’s third coach since the 2023 firing of Mike Budenholzer, who guided the team to the championship.
The Bucks also posted a message and video to social media that states: “For 13 incredible seasons. For your relentless drive, humility and heart. For transforming our franchise and our city. For delivering a championship. For inspiring a generation of Bucks fans and creating memories that will last forever. Thank you, Giannis.”
The Bucks traded Antetokounmpo and fan favorite Bobby Portis, the last two holdovers from the 2021 championship team, to the Heat for Tyler Herro, Greenfield native and former Whitnall High School star; as well as Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, the 13th overall pick in the June 23 draft (which the Bucks used to select forward Nate Ament from Tennessee) and future draft considerations.
Originally selected by the Bucks with the 15th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, Antetokounmpo appeared in a franchise-record 895 games with Milwaukee and owns career averages of 24.1 points, 9.9 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game with a 55.4% mark from the field.
Over 13 seasons with the Bucks, the two-time league MVP and 2021 NBA Finals MVP, became the all-time franchise leader in points (21,531), rebounds (8.882), assists (4,484), blocks (1,088), field goals made (7,898), free throws made (5,178), triple-doubles (56) and minutes played (29,273).
“Since we drafted him, Giannis has transformed the Milwaukee Bucks in every way – on the court, in our locker room and throughout the community,” Horst said in his statement. “Over 13 seasons, he became an extraordinary leader, teammate and representative of this city, and one of the defining players of his generation. The standard he set will continue here.”
Horst also had high praise for Portis, who spent six seasons with the Bucks during which he became an immensely popular figure with fans who would loudly chant his name during key moments in games.
“From the moment Bobby arrived, he embraced what it means to be a Buck and quickly became a fan favorite through his passion, competitiveness and unwavering commitment to winning,” Horst said in a statement. “Bobby played a vital role in helping our franchise capture the 2021 NBA Championship, and his performance throughout that historic playoff run will forever be part of Bucks history. Beyond his impact on the court, Bobby forged genuine connections throughout Milwaukee, invested his time and resources in the community and made the city his home.”
