Devoted followers of the Bucks might find themselves reaching for a tissue.
On Monday, it was confirmed that Giannis Antetokounmpo, also known as the Greek Freak, has been traded to the Miami Heat. In the wake of this news, he shared a heartfelt video across his social media platforms, extending his gratitude to the Bucks and declaring his affection for the city of Milwaukee.
In the video, Antetokounmpo noted, “I hope the championship trophy we brought to this city holds significance for its residents, as it did for me.” He further emphasized, “I want you to hear it directly from me: Milwaukee will always occupy a special place in my heart. It’s truly my home.”
He went on to say, “Regardless of where life takes me, Milwaukee will forever remain my city, my team, my family.”
The trade deal saw Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis going to the Heat on June 22, with the Bucks acquiring Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakučionis, and the 13th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Nate Ament.
Antetokounmpo accomplished everything to his NBA resume in the green and white.
Two MVPs. An NBA title and Finals MVP in 2021. Ten All-Star selections. Seven All-NBA First Team selections.
Despite missing the playoffs in his final season with the team, he cemented his legacy as one of greatest Bucks ever.
“I believe the city of Milwaukee is blue collar,” Antetokounmpo said. “It’s people that work extremely hard every single day, and give all their hard-earned money to come watch the Milwaukee Bucks. To come and feel something, to come be a part of us.
“I hope that I was able to represent them the best that I could. And I was like them. I showed up to work. Did everything that I was willing to do, all the dirty work, just like them.”
With the trade, it’s clear the Bucks are ushering in a youth movement.
But at the same time, Bucks general manager Jon Horst remained eternally grateful for the stability Antetokounmpo brought the organization.
“Since we drafted him in 2013, Giannis had transformed the Milwaukee Bucks in every way – on the court, in our locker room and throughout the community,” Horst wrote in a statement to Bucks fans. “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.”