Giannis Thanks Milwaukee, Reflects on Bucks Tenure in Farewell Video After Heat Trade

After being traded from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Miami Heat, star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo bid farewell to his longtime home with an emotional tribute video.

"I want you to hear it from my mouth: the city of Milwaukee will always be in my heart," Antetokounmpo said. "This is my home. ... It made me the man that I am today. That will never, ever change. No matter where I am, Milwaukee will always be my city, my team, my family."

Bucks general manager Jon Horst also released a letter to fans honoring Antetokounmpo, with the team also paying tribute to its former star:

On the other side of things, Miami is thrilled about its new addition:

Antetokounmpo arrived to the Bucks as the 15th pick in the 2013 NBA draft. Over the past 13 years, he established himself as the face of the entire city of Milwaukee, leading the franchise to the 2021 NBA championship.

"For 13 seasons, Giannis gave everything to this organization and inspired our city with his relentless drive, humility and heart," Bucks owners Wes Edens, Jimmy and Dee Haslam, and Jamie Dinan said in a team statement. "He grew into one of the greatest players in the world while becoming an integral part of the Milwaukee community. More importantly, Giannis represented this organization with authenticity, character and a deep commitment to the people of Milwaukee.

"His unforgettable moments on the court and his influence beyond the game defined an era of Bucks basketball and elevated our franchise on a global stage. … Though this chapter has come to an end, Giannis' legacy in Milwaukee is secure. It will always be felt here — in the rafters, throughout our community and in the countless people he inspired. Forever a Buck."

Antetokounmpo will go down as one of the greatest players in Bucks franchise history, so it's a positive sign that they parted ways on good terms. He will now move on to the next chapter of his career with the Heat.