It finally happened.
After years of speculation, the Milwaukee Bucks have found resolution by trading former two-time MVP and 2021 NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat.
In return the Bucks received a package of young players and draft picks, specifically: Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakučionis, three first-round selections (the 13th selection in Tuesday’s NBA Draft and unprotected firsts in 2031 and 2033), one swap option in 2030 and a second-round selection in 2033.
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Antetokounmpo’s teammate, Bobby Portis, was also included in the deal.
Let’s break down how each side did.
Bucks make the best of a mess they created
As reported by ESPN, the deal is expected to be completed July 6, meaning the framework of the trade can be expanded to include more teams should the Bucks and Heat decide to make additional changes.
However, assuming the framework remains as reported, this is a solid get for Milwaukee, even if it doesn’t come close to what it could have acquired a year ago.
It underlines, yet again, that Milwaukee waited too long to move off Antetokounmpo, seeing as the Bucks seemingly juggled substantial offers from just two teams: Boston and Miami.
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Had they actively shopped Antetokounmpo a year ago, odds are good more teams would have gotten involved.
Alas, here we are. The Bucks had to do something, and now they’re in the process of leaning into a new era, whatever that might be. Instead of looking back and thinking about what could have been, they now have to look ahead and find solace in the path they’ve chosen.
Grade: B
Finally, the Heat get back to the ‘Miami’ way
This is what the Heat have been waiting on for years. They wanted a Tier 1 superstar and finally made their move.
Acquiring a former MVP who has also won Defensive Player of the Year just fits their mold. The Heat view themselves as a historic franchise that oozes championship pedigree, and adding Antetokounmpo aligns with that vision.
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While Miami relinquished a ton of young depth, it retained Bam Adebayo and may have Andrew Wiggins, who has a player option, to round out its frontline.
Pelle Larsson, Davion Mitchell and Nikola Jović were also retained, but it would make sense if Miami were to make additional changes during the summer to properly build around its main core of Antetokounmpo and Adebayo.
The Heat now have, arguably, the best defensive frontcourt pairing in the NBA but will need to find more perimeter-generated offense for this team to fire on all cylinders.
That shouldn’t be too difficult, as it’s conceivable that older free agents will look at this trade as reason to sign on for cheap.
Overall, Miami gave up good players, but not great ones, making this an absolute slam dunk to add a top-five player to its roster.
Grade: A+
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