Giannis Antetokounmpo says goodbye to the Milwaukee Bucks.
After 13 seasons, the Milwaukee Bucks said goodbye to their franchise superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, trading him to the Miami Heat in exchange for Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel'el Ware, Kasparas Jakučionis, 2026 No. 13 Draft Pick (Nate Ament), a 2030 first-round pick swap, unprotected 2031 & 2033 first-round picks, and a 2033 second-round pick.
Giannis was drafted 15th overall in the 2013 draft and has gone on to become the best player in franchise history, winning an NBA Championship in 2021, the MVP in 2019 and 2020, and holding multiple franchise records including games, minutes played, points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and triple-doubles.
Giannis Says Goodbye
On Monday, Giannis posted a heartfelt goodbye video where he sat down with longtime Bucks play-by-play announcer Jim Paschke to express his love for the city as he reflected on his career and journey.
"I believe the city of Milwaukee is blue collar," Antetokounmpo said in the video. "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."
Giannis closed the video by saying, "I hope bringing a trophy to this city meant something to them because it meant so much to me. I want you to hear it from my mouth: The city of Milwaukee will always be in my heart. This is my home.
"No matter where I am, Milwaukee will always be my city, my team, my family."
Giannis' Legacy
Giannis' legacy in Milwaukee goes beyond the basketball court. The city of Milwaukee helped raise Giannis, as he came over from Greece at 18 years old and grew up in the city.
His brothers played for Milwaukee, he started a family in Milwaukee, and his father is laid to rest in Milwaukee. He worked with a number of local charities and opened a restaurant in the city.
On the court, he became the best player in franchise history and brought the Bucks to relevancy, along with championship glory. Before Giannis arrived, the Bucks had not won a playoff series since 2001.
With Giannis, especially in the last eight seasons, they have been a consistent championship contender.
It's the end of an era in Milwaukee, but Giannis' impact will be felt forever.
