Giannis Antetokounmpo, recently traded to the Miami Heat, bid farewell to fans of his former team, the Milwaukee Bucks.
On Tuesday, Antetokounmpo shared a video on his social media featuring an interview with Jim Paschke, a longtime Bucks play-by-play announcer, expressing his affection for the city as he said goodbye.
Just as bringing a championship trophy to Milwaukee meant a lot to him, it hopes it also meant a lot to the fans, Antetokounmpo said. Milwaukee will always be in his heart. This place is his home.
The Greek-born superstar, a two-time National Basketball Association (NBA) Most Valuable Player and ten-time All-Star, has been a dominant force in the league.
After joining the Bucks in 2013, Antetokounmpo led the franchise to its first NBA title in 50 years in 2021.
Last season, he averaged 27.6 points per game before an injury cut his season short. Following some tension after requesting a trade, he was ultimately dealt to Miami.
Antetokounmpo praised Milwaukee’s blue-collar spirit, saying that the people here work incredibly hard every day and spend their hard-earned money to watch the Bucks play. They come to feel something and to be part of the journey.
He added that he hopes he represented them well. He showed up, put in the work, and did whatever was needed, even the tough jobs.
The Milwaukee Bucks also released a statement supporting Antetokounmpo’s future.
Bucks General Manager (GM) Jon Horst said that since it drafted him in 2013, Giannis has transformed the Bucks on the court, in the locker room, and throughout the community. Over 13 seasons, he’s grown into an exceptional leader, teammate, and representative of this city, becoming one of the defining players of his generation. His legacy will endure.
Horst added that while this decision was incredibly difficult, it was made in the best interest of both Milwaukee and Giannis. Everyone in the organization has been profoundly impacted by his presence and influence. It’s deeply grateful for everything he and his family have given them. It wishes them continued success and look forward to reuniting soon.