Bucks GM Declines to Talk Giannis Trade With Heat, Says Team Is 'Building' With Burries, Ament Picks

Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst is eager to talk about the future of the franchise in the wake of the team landing Brayden Burries and Nate Ament in the first round of the 2026 NBA draft on Tuesday night.

Speaking to reporters after the opening round concluded, Horst explained the Bucks are "building" with their young talent while declining to speak about the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade.

"We're building," Horst said. "These guys are important to it. We're just really excited to continue to build and add on piece and piece and create an identity, a style of play, a roster full of character and versatility and size. Got a lot of work ahead of us, but it's a good start."

The Bucks agreed to trade Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat for a package that includes three first-round draft picks, Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kasparas Jakučionis.

One reason Horst didn't want to speak about the deal is because it can't become official until July 6 when the moratorium period ends, but he did acknowledge it's been a "busy" period for the front office.

"It's busy, fun, stressful, but it's no different. This is the best time of year," Horst said. "We got a lot of things going on. This is when you always put together a roster and that's what we're doing right now. I thought tonight was a great first step."

Even though the Heat technically made the No. 13 pick to select Ament, he will be on the Bucks when the trade becomes official.

Horst called it "an unbelievable opportunity" to add Ament because he was a player they "were clear" throughout the predraft process that he was someone they regarded very highly.

B/R's Zach Buckley praised the selection of Ament, noting he has a "shot at being special" and that's exactly the kind of swing the Bucks need to take as they look to get back on track with Antetokounmpo on his way out after a historic 13-year tenure with the franchise.