Giannis Antetokounmpo bid farewell to the Milwaukee Bucks in a tribute video on social media after his trade to the Miami Heat was finalized Monday.
"I hope that bringing a trophy to the city meant something to them because it meant so much to me," Antetokounmpo said. "I want you to hear it from my mouth. The city of Milwaukee will always be in my heart.
"This is my home and this is a place that I had my kids. My mom is here. My father is here. My brothers played here. It made me the man that I am today. That will never, ever change."
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) July 6, 2026
Antetokounmpo spent his first 13 seasons with the Bucks after being selected 15th overall in 2013. The Greek Freak rose to prominence with the franchise, earning 10 All-Star selections, nine All-NBA nods, a pair of MVP awards, and Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Antetokounmpo was named 2021 Finals MVP after leading Milwaukee to its first NBA championship in 50 years. The 31-year-old leaves as the club's all-time leader in several categories, including points, rebounds, assists, triple-doubles, blocks, and games played.
"There are few players in the history of professional sports who have elevated a franchise, a city, and a fan base the way Giannis Antetokounmpo has for Milwaukee and the Bucks," Bucks general manager Jon Horst said in a statement.
"Giannis arrived in Milwaukee from Greece as an 18-year-old with exceptional potential, relentless determination, and an unwavering belief in what could be achieved. In his next 13 seasons, he became one of the greatest players in basketball history, the heart of our organization, and the driving force behind an extraordinary era of Bucks basketball that will always be honored."
