Giannis Antetokounmpo has been traded to the Miami Heat in a blockbuster deal that sends the 10-time All-Star and two-time MVP to his new team, ending his 13-year tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks. The trade. First reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania late Monday night, includes Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakučionis, and three first-round picks heading to the Bucks. The Heat will also receive the No. 13 overall pick in Tuesday’s draft, an unprotected first-round pick in 2031, an unprotected pick in 2033, and a pick swap in 2030. The deal is expected to be finalized on July 6.

The Rivalry: Celtics vs. Heat

While the Miami Heat emerged victorious in the trade race, the Boston Celtics were also in the running — According to Charania, the Celtics offered Jaylen Brown and two first-round picks for Antetokounmpo. However, the Bucks ultimately chose Miami’s package of future picks and young players, signaling a shift in the franchise’s direction. The Celtics have long been linked to Antetokounmpo, especially during his 2021 free agency period and again in 2023 when the Heat tried to acquire Damian Lillard, who instead joined the Bucks.

Giannis’ Legacy in Milwaukee

Antetokounmpo has spent his entire 13-year NBA career with the Bucks, having been selected as the 15th overall pick in the 2013 draft. During his time in Milwaukee. He won two consecutive MVP awards in 2019 and 2020, and led the Bucks to their first NBA championship in 2021, earning Finals MVP honors. The team had previously traded for Jrue Holiday in 2021, helping secure a new contract for Antetokounmpo, but his departure marks the end of an era for the franchise.

Future with the Heat

Now, Antetokounmpo will join forces with the Miami Heat, where he is expected to form a formidable frontcourt duo with Bam Adebayo. The two share an agent. Alex Saratsis. And the Heat. Under coach Erik Spoelstra, are expected to be one of the most competitive teams in the Eastern Conference; the Heat have long pursued Antetokounmpo, and with his arrival, they aim to return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2023.

The deal also sees veteran forward Bobby Portis moving from the Bucks to the Heat. While the trade officially goes through on July 6, it leaves room for further expansion between the two teams. The Celtics, despite being strong contenders, will now have to reassess their plans, as Boston’s potential move would have meant the end of the Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown era. The Bucks, meanwhile, begin a new chapter with the assets they’ve acquired, including a top draft pick and young talent.