Giannis Antetokounmpo is beginning a new chapter in his NBA career after the Milwaukee Bucks traded him to the Miami Heat this summer. The move ended a 13-season run in Milwaukee, where the forward developed from the 15th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft into one of the league’s most accomplished players.
The blockbuster trade also marked a major transition for both teams. Miami is building around Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo after a 43-39 season, while Milwaukee entered a new phase after finishing 32-50 and missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2015-16 season.
Antetokounmpo’s departure remains significant because of what he accomplished during his time with the Bucks. His tenure included two MVP awards, a Defensive Player of the Year honor and the franchise’s 2021 NBA championship, while his production remained at an elite level during his final season in Milwaukee.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Plans to Return to Milwaukee
While discussing his future on AnesTea The Podcast, Giannis Antetokounmpo made clear that Milwaukee remains an important part of his long-term plans.
“It will always be in my heart, and, luckily, when I finish this cycle with Miami, which I don’t know when it will end, and if, I will definitely return to Milwaukee, and I don’t know if they want me then.” he said.
Antetokounmpo plans to return to Milwaukee once his time with Miami is over, although he acknowledged he does not know how long his Miami chapter will last or whether the Bucks would want him back then.
According to “Roundtable”, Antetokounmpo had discussed the possibility of returning to Milwaukee after his Miami stint in July.
Antetokounmpo said on the podcast, “I really believed that I would stay in Milwaukee for my entire career. But then I saw I was in my comfort zone.” but eventually felt he wanted something different.
The June trade sent Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to Miami, with Milwaukee receiving Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kasparas Jakucionis, along with three first-round picks and additional draft capital.
The move brought an end to one of the most successful individual runs in Bucks history.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Leaves Lasting Bucks Legacy
That potential return is significant given everything Giannis Antetokounmpo accomplished during his 13 seasons with Milwaukee.
He played 895 regular-season games for the Bucks and averaged 24.1 points, 9.9 rebounds and 5.0 assists during his Milwaukee career.
His final season with the team was shortened to 36 games, but he still averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists while shooting 62.4% from the field.
Antetokounmpo won consecutive MVP awards in 2019 and 2020. During the 2019-20 season, he also earned Defensive Player of the Year honors.
His defining achievement came in 2021, when he led Milwaukee to its first NBA championship since 1971.
In Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns, Antetokounmpo delivered 50 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks to secure the title.
Now, his career has moved to Miami, where the Heat have reshaped their roster around their new star.
The team added Klay Thompson on a two-year contract, retained Andrew Wiggins and Simone Fontecchio, and signed Tim Hardaway Jr.
For Milwaukee, the focus is on rebuilding after a difficult 2025-26 campaign. But Antetokounmpo’s latest comments ensure that his connection with the Bucks remains part of the conversation, even as he starts a new chapter with the Heat.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Makes Personal Admission About Returning to Milwaukee