Giannis Antetokounmpo has been traded from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Miami Heat. This deal was reported late on Monday night by multiple sources. The trade involves Antetokounmpo and forward Bobby Portis moving to Miami. In exchange, the Bucks receive Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks, a pick swap, and a second-round pick, as reported by ESPN.
Before the news broke, Antetokounmpo posted a message on social media. He wrote, “GOD, I trusted you at the beginning, and I will continue to trust you throughout,” indicating he was aware of the upcoming trade.
Antetokounmpo had been a key player in the Bucks’ 2021 NBA Finals victory, their second in team history. However, tensions between him and the team had grown, leading to his move to Miami. The superstar has won two MVP awards and a Defensive Player of the Year title. He has been named to the All-NBA first team for the past seven seasons. Last season, he averaged 27.6 points per game, following three seasons where he averaged over 30 points per game.
In Miami, Antetokounmpo could join forces with Heat star Bam Adebayo and guard Norman Powell. Adebayo scored 20.1 points per game last season, including an impressive 83-point performance against the Bucks. Powell averaged 21.7 points per game, although he is about to enter free agency. The Heat ended their season with a 43-39 record, narrowly missing the playoffs.
The Bucks had a tough season, finishing 32-50, with Antetokounmpo limited to a mere 36 games, his lowest in a season. His average of 28.9 minutes per game was the least since his rookie year.
Antetokounmpo aims to revitalize his career in Miami, which last celebrated a championship win in 2013.
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