Jon Horst opens up about the decision to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Milwaukee Bucks altered their franchise in a major way this offseason, trading Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat.
The trade came after a disappointing regular season, during which Giannis was hurt for the majority of the season and the team failed to make the playoffs. The Bucks haven't won a playoff series since 2022, and Giannis' name had been in trade rumors for years as Milwaukee tried to make moves to remain competitive.
In return, the Bucks received Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel'el Ware, Kasparas Jakučionis, three first-round picks (2026, 2031, 2033), a 2030 first-round pick swap, and a 2033 second-round pick.
Jon Horst Speaks
Bucks general manager Jon Horst had the tough task of moving the face of the franchise and trying to get the most value out of the deal despite not having leverage, as star players often dictate the terms of where they want to go.
In the end, Horst was able to get multiple first-round picks, including a lottery pick in 2026 and a collection of young players who can help move the franchise forward.
“We truly believed we’ve found an opportunity which is unique,” Horst told the media. “We might be right. We might be wrong. But an opportunity where this is what’s best for him and what he wants to pursue going forward, and this is what’s best for us and what we want to pursue going forward. And that’s why we made the decision. But it wasn’t a ‘have to’ (situation).”
Giannis made it clear that he still wanted to compete for a championship and that the Bucks, based on how last season went, were further away than ever from doing so.
The Bucks missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade last season and didn't look competitive for the majority of the season, especially with Giannis sidelined.
The Right Move?
While Horst says it wasn't a "have to" situation, it did seem like a breaking point was reached between the two sides. After the Damian Lillard trade didn't work out and they decided to waive and stretch his contract, the team was low on assets and money to surround Giannis with a competitive squad.
It showed in their play this past season. Throw in Giannis' reported disagreement with management over him sitting out the final weeks of the season, and the chatter of him leaving became too much to overcome.
Horst did well in the return for Giannis, knowing there is no true equal value for a top-five player in the league. But restocking draft capital and adding young rotation pieces at least allows the team to move forward with a plan.
