Giannis Antetokounmpo breaks the silence after his departure from the Bucks: "Milwaukee will always be my home"
The Greek says goodbye amidst emotions after the transfer to Miami Heat and sends a message that deeply affects the fans of the franchise that changed his life.
It's official now. Giannis Antetokounmpo's era with the Milwaukee Bucks has come to an end after 13 unforgettable seasons. The two-time MVP's trade to the Miami Heat was officially announced this Monday, and shortly after, the Greek star wanted to bid farewell to the city where he became an NBA superstar.
In an emotional video posted on his social media, Antetokounmpo had a conversation with the Bucks' legendary announcer, Jim Paschke, emphasizing that despite starting a new chapter in Florida, Milwaukee will always hold a special place in his heart.
"I hope bringing a championship to this city meant something to them because it meant a lot to me. I want you to hear it from me: the city of Milwaukee will always be in my heart. This is my home," the player stated.
"No matter where I am, Milwaukee will always be my city, my team, and my family," he added.
The trade, agreed upon last month, sends Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat. In return, the Bucks receive Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakučionis, the 13th pick in the 2026 Draft —which was used to select Nate Ament—, in addition to two future first-round picks, a pick swap, and a second-round pick.
This move marks the end of one of the franchise's most brilliant eras. Antetokounmpo leaves Milwaukee as the team's all-time leader in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, minutes played, and triple-doubles, having led the organization to the NBA title in 2021, the first in half a century.
During his farewell, the power forward also highlighted the connection he always felt with the city.
"I believe Milwaukee is a city of hard workers. People who work very hard every day and spend their hard-earned money to come watch the Bucks, to feel something, and to be part of us. I hope I represented them in the best possible way. I was like them. I came to work and did everything I was willing to do, even the dirty work, just like them," he explained.
The Bucks also dedicated a farewell message to their star player. The franchise's general manager, Jon Horst, thanked him for his 13 seasons, the title won in 2021, and the impact he had both on and off the court.
Anteto's Words
"Since we drafted him in 2013, Giannis transformed the Milwaukee Bucks in every way: on the court, in the locker room, and in the community. He became an extraordinary leader, an exemplary teammate, and one of the players who defined a whole generation. The standard he set will remain with us," Horst stated.
The executive also acknowledged the toughness of the decision: "It was an incredibly difficult decision, made with the best future in mind for both the Bucks and Giannis. We shared this whole journey together, and we will always be deeply grateful for everything he and his family have given to this organization and this city."
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