Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo will join the Miami Heat from the Milwaukee Bucks, multiple US outlets including ESPN reported Monday.
The 31-year-old Greek star, a 10-time All-Star who led the Bucks to the 2021 NBA championship, had been a target of both the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics.
ESPN reported Miami will receive Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis, while Milwaukee will acquire Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round draft picks, a pick swap and a second-round pick.
Antetokounmpo's departure ends more than a year of uncertainty over whether he would finish his career in Milwaukee, the only team he has played for since being drafted in 2013.
The Greek star had publicly expressed frustration with team management for not allowing him to play after he suffered a sprained left MCL. He insisted he was healthy enough to help the team compete for a playoff spot, though the Bucks declared him unable to play.
Speaking in April after Milwaukee missed the playoffs with a 32–50 record, Antetokounmpo also criticized the team for failing to build a strong enough roster to contend for a title. “I feel like sometimes people don't listen. They listen to sources. The source is me. That's the truth,” he said.
