It’s done. Giannis Antetokounmpo is a member of the Miami Heat. The Bucks and Heat have agreed to a trade that sends the two-time MVP and Bobby Portis to South Beach in exchange for Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jacquez Jr., Kasparas Jakučionis, three first-round picks (including No. 13 overall in Tuesday’s draft) and a second-round pick (along with a pick swap).
The Greek Freak, who arrived in Milwaukee as a raw, 18-year-old fairly unknown prospect in 2013, grew into one of the best players in the world while delivering the franchise its first championship in 50 years in 2021. After spending his entire career in Milwaukee and cementing himself as perhaps the greatest Buck of all time, Giannis has officially closed the Milwaukee chapter. A new one opens in Miami, where he’ll look to build on his legacy for the Miami Heat.
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The fit in Miami
The basketball case for this pairing has been obvious for a long time. Giannis and Bam Adebayo form one of the most switchable, physically imposing frontcourt duos in the league. Two players who can guard all five positions, finish above the rim and anchor Erik Spoelstra’s defense-first identity without missing a beat. Pat Riley has been angling (and striking out) toward this kind of star talent for years, and he finally has it.
The culture fit may be even cleaner than the on-court one. Heat Culture, as described through countless interviews, has developed the mantra of a relentless, work-ethic-above-all environment Riley built over decades and was made for a player like Antetokounmpo. He has always been defined by effort, and it’s clear he and Riley are aligned on wanting to win another championship.
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The real question is offense. Dealing Herro removes Miami’s best shot creator and primary floor spacer. Antetokounmpo and Adebayo are both at their best as finishers, cutters and drivers rather than perimeter threats, which puts real pressure on the supporting cast of Davion Mitchell, free agent Norman Powell and others to space the floor and initiate. Expect Spoelstra to attack this problem creatively, as some reconfiguration is required.
Fantasy fallout
Giannis Antetokounmpo — Remains a first-round pick in every format. There’s not enough offense to take away from him being a 30 PPG scorer with high-end boards and assists relative to his position. Points leagues: He’ll be a top-five option. Category formats still depend on the ability to punt or work around his low free-throw percentage and lack of 3s. It’s a challenge that I don’t usually want to take on.
Bam Adebayo — I’m not sure what to make of Adebayo’s role quite yet. The fit alongside another big man of Giannis’ caliber hasn’t been seen during his tenure. I’m tempted to lower his value some, but I don’t want to be too presumptuous. Maybe an uptick in 3s, fewer boards and more assists? Either way, Giannis will be the best player Bam has played with since Jimmy Butler. I’d say a fourth-round grade is appropriate given his historical performance and what he can bring defensively as a rebounder and scorer.
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Tyler Herro (to Milwaukee) — With Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins already in the building, someone’s going to get squeezed. I doubt it’s Herro. That said, I’m not that high on Herro. His ceiling is that of a 20-4-4 guy, which usually ends up near the 60-70s in 9-cat formats, depending on efficiency and stock generation. I like him for points formats more, but even then, there’s going to be a lot of change in Milwaukee, so understanding how the minutes and rotation will be allocated is important. He could be its No. 1 option or its sixth man. I’d pencil Herro in as a mid-round pick in the 70s and 80s.
Kel’el Ware (to Milwaukee) — With Myles Turner still in Milwaukee, there’s some competition at center, but Turner was horrendous last year. Ware never found his footing with the Heat, often clashing with Spo and landing in his doghouse. If Miami’s disciplined approach helped Ware develop, the Bucks might be in a position to unlock his potential on both ends. He’s a player to monitor: If he comes off the bench, his fantasy appeal takes a hit, but if he starts, he could emerge as a valuable late-round option.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (to Milwaukee) — Solid rotational wing who is coming off being one of the top reserves in the league. A waiver-wire streamer who held rest-of-season value, the Bucks’ wing depth is weak, which is good for Jaquez’s fantasy prospects. I don’t know where I’d draft him, but if I did, it’d be in the later rounds.
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Bobby Portis (to Miami) — Depending on whether Andrew Wiggins exercises his player option (I think he will), that likely moves Portis to a familiar sixth-man role. Portis’ redraft value is limited barring an injury to one of Giannis or Bam, but whenever he gets a spot start, he’s usually a good source of points and rebounds.
Kasparas Jakučionis (to Milwaukee) — Retains some value in dynasty formats but can otherwise be ignored for redraft with such a crowded backcourt.