Top Bucks Assistant Coach Follows Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami Heat

The Milwaukee Bucks are losing another important member of the organization following Giannis Antetokounmpo’s departure.

Longtime assistant coach Vin Baker is joining Erik Spoelstra’s coaching staff with the Miami Heat, reuniting him with Antetokounmpo after spending eight seasons together in Milwaukee.

NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Baker’s relationship with the two-time MVP played a role in his decision to follow Antetokounmpo to Miami.

“After spending eight seasons with Milwaukee Bucks as an assistant, Vin Baker is joining Erik Spoelstra’s coaching staff with Miami Heat to reunite with Giannis Antetokounmpo to whom he has a close bond with, sources tell me,” Haynes reported.

Baker’s departure marks another significant change for a Bucks organization attempting to establish a new direction without the player who defined its most successful recent era.

Baker spent eight seasons working with Antetokounmpo during a stretch that included Milwaukee’s 2021 NBA championship and the forward’s development into one of the league’s most dominant players.

A former four-time NBA All-Star, Baker also played for the Bucks earlier in his career, giving him a long-standing connection to the organization.

His departure follows the blockbuster trade that sent Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to Miami in exchange for Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakučionis and multiple draft assets.

That deal ended Antetokounmpo’s 13-year run with Milwaukee and launched a new era for both franchises. NBA.com reported that the Bucks also received three first-round picks, a future pick swap and a second-round selection.

Portis already provided Antetokounmpo with a familiar teammate in Miami. Baker’s addition gives him another trusted relationship as he adjusts to a new organization, coaching staff and city.

For Spoelstra, the move also adds an assistant with direct knowledge of Antetokounmpo’s habits, strengths and preferred approach to player development.

That familiarity could help Miami integrate its new superstar while building an offense around Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.

Baker’s exit leaves Milwaukee with another vacancy to address under coach Taylor Jenkins.

The Bucks are moving forward with a roster built around Herro and the young players acquired in the Antetokounmpo trade, including Ware, Jaquez and Jakučionis.

The organization also used the No. 13 pick received in the deal to select forward Nate Ament, adding another young player to its new foundation.

Meanwhile, Miami has continued strengthening its supporting cast.

Four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson is expected to sign with the Heat after clearing waivers following a buyout with the Dallas Mavericks, according to NBA.com.

Thompson would provide outside shooting alongside Antetokounmpo, Adebayo, Portis and Andrew Wiggins, giving Spoelstra more options around his new frontcourt.

The Heat open their season Oct. 21 against Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

For Milwaukee, Baker’s move serves as another reminder that losing Antetokounmpo changed more than the roster. It also continues to reshape the coaching staff and relationships that helped define the Bucks’ championship era.