Former Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has been traded to the Miami Heat, according to multiple reports.
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In one of the biggest trades in NBA history, the Heat acquired Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis from the Milwaukee Bucks, in exchange for Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis and a massive package of draft picks, ESPN and AP reported late Monday.
Now the Greek Freak is relocating, but how much do you really know about the NBA champion?
Who is Giannis Antetokounmpo?
Antetokounmpo is a 31-year-old NBA champion and Olympian who was born in Greece to Nigerian parents.
He’s played for the Milwaukee Bucks for 13 years and 895 games since being drafted in 2013, leading them to a championship in 2021.
His success and that of his brothers who also became NBA champions was the subject of the 2022 Disney movie “Rise.”
Why is he called the ‘Greek Freak?’
So first, he’s actually Greek. And second, he’s dominated the sport.
Antetokounmpo was born on Dec. 6, 1994, in Athens to Nigerian immigrants Charles and Veronica Antetokounmpo.
The 7-foot superstar started his basketball career with the Greek club Filathlitikos, and later obtained Greek citizenship which allowed him to enter the 2013 NBA Draft, according to Olympics.com.
The Milwaukee Bucks selected him as the 15th overall pick when he was just 18 years old. He played for Greece in the Paris Olympics (carrying the flag at the opening ceremony) and has represented the country in various major International Basketball Federation (FIBA) tournaments, according to Olympics.com.
Now 31, Antetokounmpo is one of the highest-profile players to ever be traded. He is a 10-time All-Star, two-time MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player, NBA champion and Finals MVP.
Over 13 years and 895 games with the Bucks, Antetokounmpo averaged 24.1 points, 9.9 rebounds and 5.0 assists. He has played in 84 playoff games, leading the franchise to an NBA title in 2021 after scoring 50 points in the championship-clinching Game 6.
In 2014, he trademarked the nickname “Greek Freak.”
He comes from an equally athletic family
So, Antetokounmpo isn’t the only one with a championship ring in his family.
His brother Thanasis, 33, also played with the Bucks during their championship season and was on their roster last season. He will become an unrestricted free agent on June 30.
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And their younger brother, 28-year-old Kostas, was actually the first to win a title with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. He now plays overseas for Aris B.C. in Greece.
A fourth brother, 24-year-old Alex Antetokounmpo, signed with the Bucks in 2025, marking the first time in NBA history that three brothers played on the same team. His two-way contract expired after the season ended, so he’ll also be a free agent next week.
Meanwhile, their oldest brother Francis, 39, played professional soccer in Nigeria and Greece, according to the Olympic website, and is now a musician.
His come up was the subject of a Disney+ movie
The Antetokounmpo family lived in poverty in Greece, and Antetokounmpo’s biography on the Olympic website details that he and his brothers had to contribute to the family’s income by selling items on the street. His parents were undocumented, and they lived with the fear of deportation.
The 2022 movie “Rise” explores how his “family’s vision, determination and faith lifted them out of obscurity to launch the careers of three NBA champions.”
Trade to the Heat and what’s next
The trade marks the end of Giannis’ legendary run in Milwaukee and the start of a new era for both franchises.
According to ESPN, Milwaukee chose Miami’s offer over the Boston Celtics’ because it provided more young talent, draft assets, and long-term flexibility.
As part of the trade, Milwaukee will receive the No. 13 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The Heat are sending unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 to the Bucks. Miami is also including a 2030 pick swap and a 2033 second-round pick in the trade.
Antetokounmpo has resisted requesting a trade in recent years despite the Bucks’ declining success. The team’s last-ditch effort last offseason was to waive the injured Damian Lillard and sign Myles Turner, which didn’t changed their fortunes. Milwaukee went 32-50 in 2025-26, with Antetokounmpo playing in just 36 games due to injuries.
Now on the Heat, Antetokounmpo will pair with Bam Adebayo as part of a loaded frontcourt. Pat Riley and Co. have plenty of work to do to fill out the roster with free agents, but the core of the team is now locked in. Miami has been stuck in mediocrity for several years, with Play-In appearances in four straight seasons (although the first of those seasons ended in a Finals loss).
Antetokounmpo will become eligible to sign a four-year, $275 million supermax extension on Jan. 6, 2027. If he doesn’t sign an extension, he could become an unrestricted free agent next summer in 2027 if he declines his $62.8 million player option.