Giannis Antetokounmpo says he’s embracing a brand new chapter with the Miami Warmth, however the two-time NBA MVP acknowledged that the transition away from the Milwaukee Bucks has not been straightforward.
Talking about his transfer to Miami, Antetokounmpo admitted he’s moving into unfamiliar territory after spending his complete 13-year NBA profession with Milwaukee.
“I’m comfortable to be in Miami,” he mentioned. “In Miami now, I gained’t lie, I don’t really feel comfy. I don’t know the crew, however I’m going over there and I’ll do my greatest. I’ve been doing this my complete life, and I hope it seems nicely. I like the town of Milwaukee. I’ll love Milwaukee till I die. I bleed purple and inexperienced. It’s quite simple. They made me who I’m at present.”
The feedback replicate the emotional impression of one of many greatest trades of the 2026 offseason. After being chosen by Milwaukee with the fifteenth general choose within the 2013 NBA Draft, Antetokounmpo developed from a uncooked prospect into one of many best gamers in franchise historical past. Throughout 895 regular-season video games with the Bucks, he averaged 24.1 factors, 9.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks whereas capturing 55.4% from the sector.
His résumé in Milwaukee consists of two NBA MVP awards, the 2020 Defensive Participant of the Yr award, a number of First Crew All-NBA choices, and an NBA championship. Even throughout an injury-shortened 2025-26 marketing campaign, Antetokounmpo remained one of many league’s most dominant gamers, averaging 27.6 factors, 9.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and capturing a career-best 62.4% from the sector in 36 video games earlier than the blockbuster deal.
Miami acquired Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis in trade for Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis, the No. 13 choose within the 2026 NBA Draft, two future unprotected first-round picks, a choose swap, and a second-round choice. The commerce signaled a dramatic shift for each organizations, with Milwaukee starting a rebuild whereas the Warmth pushed all-in on championship rivalry.
The Warmth completed the 2025-26 season 43-39 and reached the Play-In Match earlier than reshaping their roster round Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. Miami retained Andrew Wiggins, re-signed Simone Fontecchio, added Tim Hardaway Jr. in free company, and tasks one of many NBA’s most imposing defensive frontcourts with Antetokounmpo and Adebayo.
For Miami, the expectation is quick rivalry. Antetokounmpo is underneath contract for $58.5 million in 2026-27 and holds a $62.8 million participant possibility for the next season. His adjustment to a brand new locker room, teaching employees, and system shall be among the many NBA’s greatest storylines coming into the 2026-27 marketing campaign.
